Imagine inviting the comfort and warmth of the Portuguese coast into your kitchen with just a few pantry staples: flaked cod , tender potatoes, aromatic onions, and olive oil. This one-dish casserole provides a cozy and flavorful meal, simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
Ingredients (Serves 6 to 8 people)
- 900g of cod soaked for 24 hours with water changes
- 5 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup (180 ml) olive oil
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation method
- Soak the cod in cold water for about 24 hours, changing the water 3 to 4 times to eliminate excess salt.
- Preheat oven to 190°C.
Preparation Method
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for ~8 to 10 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic, parsley, red bell pepper, and paprika; cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce and remove from the heat.
Assemble the casserole in layers:
- Arrange half of the potato slices in a greased 23x33cm baking dish.
- Add the canned cod (washed and dried).
- Cover with the remaining potatoes.
Cover and bake: Spread the onion and tomato mixture evenly over the layers. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
Leave uncovered: Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the surface is lightly golden.
To Serve
- Garnish with extra parsley or sliced hard-boiled eggs and olives, if desired.
- It’s great hot, warm, or at room temperature.
Quick Nutrition Guide (per serving, ~1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: ~953 kcal
- Total Fat: ~31 g
- Carbohydrates: ~64 g
- Protein: ~101 g
Preparation Tip: Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats, while cod provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
If you’re preparing a recipe for those who are calorie-conscious, you can reduce the amount of olive oil or use fresh cod to reduce sodium—customize to your audience’s needs!
Why it works
Soaking removes excess salt—crucial for balance.
Slow-roasting in the oven blends the flavors perfectly, creating a rustic and rich dish. This one is comforting, easy, and perfect for weeknight or weekend meals.
Personalize
Swap the salted cod for fresh cod fillets; just season and skip the sauce step.
Add extra ingredients like olives, capers, or chopped tomatoes in layers.
Spice it up with chili flakes or garnish with lemon wedges.
Revenue Highlights
- Layers packed with flavor: The ingredients cooked together allow the juices to blend seamlessly, creating a deep, rustic flavor.
- Time-saving simplicity: Prep and bake — no monitoring required.
- Versatility: Swap in fresh cod, lighten the sauce, or add olives—easy to customize.
