Bacalhau com Natas (Salt Cod Baked with Cream and Potatoes)
In short: Flaked salt cod and fried potatoes layered with soft onions and a nutmeg cream sauce, then baked until golden and bubbling. It takes about 1 h 35 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 45 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Resting
- 24 h
- Total
- 1 h 35 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 650 kcal
Bacalhau com natas is the comforting casserole that turns up at family lunches and on the Christmas table. Soaked cod is flaked and mixed with soft onions and golden fried potatoes, then covered in a creamy white sauce flavored with nutmeg. A scatter of cheese and a spell in the oven give it a spotted golden top. It is easy to assemble ahead, so it suits busy days and large gatherings.
Instructions
- Soak the cod in cold water in the fridge for 24 to 36 hours, changing the water 4 or 5 times. Taste a flake: it should be pleasantly salty, not harsh.
- Put the cod in a pot, cover with cold water and bring to a bare simmer. Switch off the heat, cover and leave for 10 minutes. Drain, remove the skin and bones and flake the fish into bite-size pieces.
- Heat the sunflower oil to 175°C (350°F). Fry the potato cubes in two batches for 5 to 6 minutes until golden, then drain on paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Warm the olive oil in a wide pan and cook the onions with the bay leaves over medium-low heat for 12 minutes until very soft. Add the garlic for the last minute and remove the bay leaves.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the milk gradually, whisking, and simmer for 5 minutes until thick. Stir in the cream, nutmeg and pepper, and leave unsalted for now.
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Mix the cod, potatoes and onions with two thirds of the sauce, taste and add salt only if needed. Spread in a 30 x 20 cm (12 x 8 in) baking dish and pour the rest of the sauce over.
- Sprinkle with the cheese and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Rest for 5 minutes, scatter with parsley and serve.
Tips
- Do not salt the sauce until you have tasted it with the cod folded in, because even well-soaked cod carries salt.
- Short on time? Toss the potato cubes with a little oil and roast them at 220°C (425°F) for 25 minutes instead of frying.
Questions and answers
Can I assemble bacalhau com natas ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, cover and chill, then bake for 5 to 10 minutes longer from cold.
Can I freeze bacalhau com natas?
Cooked portions freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered at 180°C (350°F) for about 25 minutes.
What do you serve with bacalhau com natas?
A crisp green salad and a young white wine suit it. The casserole is rich, so keep the sides light and sharp.
How long does it take to make Bacalhau com Natas (Salt Cod Baked with Cream and Potatoes)?
About 1 h 35 min in total: 45 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bacalhau com Natas (Salt Cod Baked with Cream and Potatoes)?
About 650 kcal per serving, with 45 g of protein, 33 g of carbohydrates and 37 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 650 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Fat | 37 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
