Traditional Portuguese Bacalhau à Braz Recipe

Ingredients

500g of salted cod
500g of potatoes
2 onions
4 cloves of garlic
6 eggs
A bunch of parsley
Black olives for garnish
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
250ml of olive oil

Steps and instructions

Start by soaking the salted cod in water for 24 hours, changing the water several times.
After soaking, drain the cod and cut it into pieces.
Peel and thinly slice the onions and garlic.
Heat a quarter of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and fry until golden brown.
Add the cod pieces to the skillet and cook until they become flaky.
While the cod is cooking, peel the potatoes and cut them into matchsticks. Fry them in the remaining olive oil until golden brown and crispy. Then remove and drain on paper towels.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and season them with salt and pepper.
Once the cod is cooked, add the fried potatoes and the beaten eggs to the skillet. Stir gently over low heat until the eggs are just set.
Chop the parsley and sprinkle it over the dish. Arrange the black olives on top for garnish.
Remove from heat and serve hot.

Tools for making

Large skillet - Used for frying the onions, garlic, cod, and eggs
Knife - Used for cutting the salted cod, onions, garlic, and parsley
Cutting board - Used as a surface for cutting ingredients
Bowl - Used for beating the eggs and seasoning them
Paper towels - Used for draining the fried potatoes
Spatula - Used for stirring the ingredients in the skillet

Recipe variations

Replace the salted cod with fresh cod or any other white fish.
Add sliced bell peppers or tomatoes to the dish for extra flavor and color.
Include sliced chorizo or bacon for a meaty twist.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika for a spicy kick.
Incorporate grated cheese such as Parmesan or cheddar on top for a cheesy finish.
Replace the black olives with green olives or capers for a different taste.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a citrusy touch.
Use vegetable broth instead of olive oil for a lighter version.
Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the dish's aroma.

Recipe overview

Bacalhau à Brás is a traditional Portuguese dish that is loved for its hearty and comforting flavors. It combines salted cod, potatoes, onions, and eggs into a savory scramble that is delightfully simple yet incredibly satisfying. While the recipe involves several steps, each one is straightforward and adds to the overall depth and richness of the dish. Start by soaking the cod, then frying it with onions and garlic until it's flaky. Then, add golden-brown fried potato matchsticks and a mixture of beaten eggs, stirring gently until just set. Finish with a scattering of chopped parsley and black olives for a touch of color and an extra burst of flavor. This dish is a wonderful introduction to Portuguese cuisine and a staple that you will come back to time and time again. Enjoy Bacalhau à Brás as a hearty dinner or as a warming meal any time of the day.

Common questions

Can I use fresh cod instead of salted cod? Yes, you can use fresh cod instead of salted cod. However, the flavor and texture of the dish may be slightly different.
How long should I soak the salted cod? Soak the salted cod in water for 24 hours, changing the water several times. This helps to remove excess salt.
Can I use a different type of potato? While the recipe traditionally calls for regular potatoes, you can experiment with different types of potatoes such as Yukon gold or russet potatoes.
Can I use a different type of oil? The recipe calls for olive oil, but you can use a different type of oil if you prefer. However, keep in mind that olive oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish.
Can I add other ingredients to the recipe? Bacalhau à Braz traditionally includes cod, potatoes, onions, garlic, eggs, and parsley. However, you can personalize the dish by adding ingredients like bell peppers, tomatoes, or even spices to suit your taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While Bacalhau à Braz is best served fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving to save time.
Can I freeze the leftovers? It is not recommended to freeze Bacalhau à Braz as the texture of the potatoes and eggs may change after thawing.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet or frying pan to cook the onions, garlic, cod, and eggs.
Knife - A sharp knife to cut the salted cod, potatoes, onions, and garlic.
Cutting Board - A cutting board to safely prepare and chop the ingredients.
Bowl - A bowl to beat and season the eggs.
Paper Towels - Paper towels for draining the fried potatoes.
Spatula - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
Plates - Plates for serving the bacalhau à braz.
Garnish Tools - Optional tools for garnishing, such as tweezers for placing black olives or parsley sprigs.

Origin stories

Bacalhau à Brás, a beloved dish in Portugal, comes with a quaint tale tied to its creation. It is said to have been invented in Bairro Alto, an old quarter of Lisbon, by a tavern owner named Brás. His establishment was well-known for its codfish dishes, and legend has it that he created this particular recipe using leftovers to avoid wasting food. His innovative creation quickly gained fame and became one of Portugal's most cherished dishes. To this day, it remains a symbol of the Portuguese people's creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.