Codfish with Cream

Description

This a traditional Portuguese way of cooking codfish, from the capital city of Lisbon. In a country with a large tradition of making codfish in several ways, this is, for me, the most delicious and sinful way of eating this wonderful fish. Taste it and you will see!

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces dried salted cod fish
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into very small cubes
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced thin
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup hot milk
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1 ⅓ cups heavy cream
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream
  • 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried salted cod in cold water with the skin side up for 24 hours
  2. changing the water about 4 times. Drain and discard the water.
  3. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  4. Place the cod in a pan with enough water to cover; bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the cod from the pan; remove and discard the skin and bones. Cut the cod into chunks and set aside.
  5. Heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary
  6. fry the potatoes in the hot oil until just cooked
  7. about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
  8. Pour the olive oil into a Dutch oven or heat-proof casserole dish over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic in the oil until the onion is translucent
  9. about 5 minutes. Add the cod and cook another 3 minutes; stir the potatoes into the mixture and cook another 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  10. Melt the butter in a separate pan over medium-low heat; vigorously stir the flour into the melted butter. Slowly stream the hot milk into the mixture while stirring; cook and stir until thick. Season with the nutmeg. Pour into the casserole with 1 1/3 cups cream; stir to coat. Allow the mixture to simmer together for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle remaining 2/3 cup cream over the mixture; sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is browned
  12. 30 to 40 minutes. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 40 mins

Cook Time: 50 mins

Total Time: 1 day

Servings: 4

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