Hello everyone!
Here it is – the blog I’ve been dreaming about for so long!
I finally took the leap, and I’ve been thinking hard about what the very first post should be.
I figured the best way to start this journey would be with one of my favourite recipes: Bacalhau Espiritual, a traditional dish from the country I come from – Portugal.
I hope you enjoy it!
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 400g salted cod (desalted, don’t worry — I’ll explain below)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 slices of white bread (no crusts, please)
- 200ml milk
- 200ml cream (plant-based works too!)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- Nutmeg, salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: breadcrumbs or cheese for that golden topping
Instructions
1. Cod time
Boil your (already desalted*) cod for about 10 mins. Drain, remove skin & bones, and flake it up.
2. Bread bath
Tear the bread into small chunks, soak it in milk, and let it chill for a bit.
3. Veggie vibes
In a pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onion + garlic until soft, then add the grated carrot and cook for 5 mins more.
4. Mix it in
Add the shredded cod and the soaked bread. Stir it all together like a cozy hug.
5. Creamy dream
In another pan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add cream. Stir until smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt & pepper.
6. Final fusion
Pour the sauce over the cod mix. Combine well. Smells amazing already, right?
7. Into the oven
Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese or breadcrumbs (or both!), and bake at 180°C (350°F) for ~30 mins until golden and bubbly.
💡 Little tips:
How to desalt cod: Soak it in cold water for 24–48 hours, changing the water 2–3 times a day.
In a rush? Use frozen or pre-cooked cod.
Serve it with a fresh salad or just some good bread — and maybe a glass of vinho 😉
Tell me if you’re into it — and if you’ve given it a try!! 💬
And if you’re not Portuguese, welcome to one of our most delicious secrets 🧡
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