Ycaroh Kitchen Blog

Traditional Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá: Portuguese Cod Delight

bacalhau a gomes de sa

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 15 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Yield

4 servings

Calories

Approximately 550 calories
Traditional Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá is a cornerstone of Portuguese culinary tradition, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that encapsulate the soul of Portugal. This dish features tender, flaky cod nestled among layers of soft potatoes, sautéed onions, and hard-boiled eggs, all seasoned with the warmth of olive oil and the subtle kick of garlic. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that pays homage to its creator, José Luís Gomes de Sá, a chef from Porto who knew the secret to touching hearts through food. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe invites you to savor a piece of Portuguese history and enjoy a meal that’s as rich in flavor as it is in culture.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb of salt cod, soaked overnight and shredded
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • Black olives and parsley, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Note: Ensure the cod is thoroughly desalted by changing the water several times during the soaking process.

Instructions

  • Start by soaking the cod overnight in cold water, changing the water several times to remove excess salt.
  • Boil the potatoes until just tender, then slice them.
  • In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until golden and soft.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, followed by the cod, and then the onion and garlic mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top layer of potatoes is golden and crisp.
  • Garnish with slices of hard-boiled eggs, black olives, and chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the best texture, don’t overcook the potatoes when boiling them; they should be just tender.
  • Layering the ingredients evenly ensures every bite is full of flavor.
  • For added richness, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the dish before serving.

Mise en Place

Ingredients

Utensils

  • Salt cod
  • Large potatoes
  • Large onions
  • Cloves of garlic
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Olive oil
  • Black olives
  • Parsley
  • Salt and pepper
  • Large pot for boiling
  • Frying pan
  • Baking dish
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spoon for layering
  • Oven

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