Of course! I can help you with that. I’m ready to share my knowledge about this delicious Portuguese dish.
Bacalhau à Brás is a classic Portuguese dish that is both flavorful and comforting. It’s a simple dish to make, but it’s packed with flavor and history.
History:
The origins of Bacalhau à Brás are a bit of a mystery, but the most popular story is that it was invented in a tasca (a traditional Portuguese tavern) in Bairro Alto, Lisbon, owned by a man named Braz. The dish was named after him, and the spelling evolved to Brás over time.
Preparation:
Bacalhau à Brás is made with shredded salted cod, thinly sliced fried potatoes, and onions, all bound together with eggs. The dish is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil, and it is often garnished with fresh parsley and olives.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Bacalhau à Brás:
- Prepare the cod: Soak the salted cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water several times. This will help to remove excess salt. After soaking, shred the cod into thin strips.
- Fry the potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin matchsticks. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry the potatoes until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Sauté the onions: While the potatoes are frying, sauté the onions in a separate skillet until they are soft and translucent.
- Cook the eggs: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper. Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the eggs. Cook, stirring constantly, until the eggs are set but still slightly runny.
- Assemble the dish: Add the shredded cod, fried potatoes, and sautéed onions to the skillet with the eggs. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the Bacalhau à Brás with fresh parsley and olives. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- You can use fresh cod instead of salted cod, but you will need to poach it in water for 10 minutes before using it.
- If you don’t have olives, you can use capers or lemon wedges as a garnish.
- Bacalhau à Brás is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is also a great leftover dish.
Enjoy!
