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Recipe Bacalhau a Bras

recipe bacalhau a bras

A traditional Portuguese comfort dish made with tender shredded cod, crispy matchstick potatoes, silky eggs, and sweet onions. Light, flavorful, and deeply satisfying; similar in comfort to warm classics like Carrot and Parsnip Soup or seafood favorites like Calamari Steak Recipe.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Easy Dinner ideas, Main Course
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

  • For recipe bacalhau a bras
  • 1 lb salted cod desalted for 24–48 hours
  • 2 cups matchstick potatoes fried or pre-fried
  • 2 medium onions finely sliced
  • 4 large eggs beaten
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup black olives optional
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife
  • Mandoline (optional for potatoes)
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Drain the desalted cod, shred it into thin pieces, and pat dry to make sure it blends evenly with the eggs and potatoes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onions slowly until soft, sweet, and golden to build the base of recipe bacalhau a bras.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and shredded cod, cooking gently until the cod softens and absorbs the flavors.
  4. Add the matchstick potatoes and toss lightly to keep them crisp while coating them in the onion and cod mixture.
  5. Lower the heat and pour in the beaten eggs, stirring gently to form a creamy, velvety texture without overcooking.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, fold in parsley, and adjust the creaminess by adding a splash more egg if desired.
  7. Serve immediately with black olives and lemon wedges, pairing beautifully with warm sides like Carrot and Parsnip Soup.

Notes

  • For best texture, prepare and serve immediately; reheating softens the potatoes.
  • Add extra potatoes for more crunch or extra egg for a creamier version.
  •  Desalting is essential: under-desalted cod will overpower the dish.
Recipe Bacalhau a Bras
Recipe Bacalhau a Bras