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Christmas Salted Codfish Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 21 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • Prep Time: 24 hours (including soaking)
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 24 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Portuguese
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This traditional Christmas Codfish recipe features salted codfish soaked, boiled, and then sautéed with aromatic onions, garlic, and spices. Perfectly seasoned with black pepper, paprika, and fresh parsley, this dish offers a flavorful coastal holiday meal for four servings.


Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Soaking

  • 1 pound salted codfish
  • 2 cups water (for boiling)
  • Additional water for soaking (enough to cover the fish)

Seasonings and Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped


Instructions

  1. Soak the Codfish: Place the salted codfish in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak for 24 hours, changing the water several times to remove excess salt and rehydrate the fish.
  2. Boil the Codfish: Bring 2 cups of fresh water to a boil in a pot. Add the soaked codfish and cook for about 15 minutes until the fish is tender. Drain the water and flake the fish into bite-size pieces.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Combine and Season: Add the flaked codfish to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Sprinkle in black pepper and paprika, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices.
  5. Cook to Blend Flavors: Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add Fresh Parsley and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the chopped parsley, and serve the codfish warm as a festive main dish.

Notes

  • Be sure to change the soaking water multiple times to reduce the saltiness of the codfish.
  • If salted codfish is not available, you can substitute with fresh cod but adjust seasoning accordingly.
  • This dish pairs well with boiled potatoes or crusty bread for a complete holiday meal.
  • For a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of garlic or sauté it longer until golden.