Bacalhau com Broa e Legumes
A delightful Portuguese dish featuring salt cod baked with a savory cornbread crust, accompanied by roasted vegetables. The combination of flaky cod, the slightly sweet and crunchy broa topping, and the tender roasted vegetables creates a harmonious and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Salt cod fillets, soaked and desalted
- 200 g Portuguese cornbread (broa), crumbled
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Sweet paprika
- 500 g Baby potatoes, halved
- 2 medium Carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 large Onion, cut into wedges
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Boil the baby potatoes and carrots until just tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
💡 Tip: Boiling the vegetables first ensures they are tender when baked. - 2
While the vegetables cook, prepare the cornbread topping. In a bowl, combine the crumbled broa, minced garlic, chopped parsley, sweet paprika, 2 tbsp of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until it forms a crumbly paste.
💡 Tip: Ensure the broa is well crumbled for an even topping. - 3
Pat the salt cod fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in a lightly oiled baking dish. Arrange the boiled potatoes and carrots around the cod. Add the onion wedges to the dish.
💡 Tip: Drying the cod helps the topping adhere better. - 4
Drizzle the vegetables and cod with the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Don't over-salt the cod as it is already salted. - 5
Evenly spread the broa mixture over the salt cod fillets, pressing gently to form a crust.
💡 Tip: Press the topping firmly but gently to ensure it sticks to the cod. - 6
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cod is cooked through and flakes easily.
💡 Tip: Keep an eye on the crust to prevent it from burning. - 7
Serve hot, with the roasted vegetables on the side. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad.
💡 Tip: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If Portuguese cornbread (broa) is unavailable, you can substitute with good quality breadcrumbs, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- ✓Ensure the salt cod is properly desalted to avoid an overly salty dish.
- ✓Adjust the amount of garlic and paprika to your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of sliced onions under the cod for extra flavor.
- Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Serve with a side of sautéed spinach or a simple vinaigrette salad.