Traditional Bacalhau com Natas
Bacalhau com natas is a Portuguese gratin of desalted cod, onion, small fried potatoes, béchamel, and cream, baked until golden without an Italian-cheese crust.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Poach the desalted cod briefly, remove skin and bones, and flake it.
- 2
Fry the potato cubes until just golden and drain.
- 3
Cook onion and garlic slowly in olive oil, add the cod, and fold in the potatoes.
- 4
Make a pale béchamel with butter, flour, and milk; season with nutmeg and pepper, then stir in the cream.
- 5
Combine most of the sauce with the cod mixture and transfer to a baking dish; cover with the remaining sauce and optional breadcrumbs.
- 6
Bake at 200°C until bubbling and golden, then rest 10 minutes before serving.
Cook notes
Tips
Soaking the cod properly is crucial to ensure it's not overly salty.
For a richer flavor, add a dash of white wine to the cream mixture before baking.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the texture of the dish.
Substitutions
- Use the closest Portuguese ingredient named in the recipe; substitutions can change the traditional character.
What to Serve With
- Serve in the Portuguese manner described in the recipe, with simple bread, salad, potatoes, rice, or wine as appropriate.
Common Mistakes
- Boiling potatoes until watery instead of frying the small cubes.
- Covering the gratin with Parmesan, which changes the Portuguese preparation.
Recipe FAQ
What makes Traditional Bacalhau com Natas traditional?
Bacalhau com natas is a Portuguese gratin of desalted cod, onion, small fried potatoes, béchamel, and cream, baked until golden without an Italian-cheese crust.
Can I prepare Traditional Bacalhau com Natas ahead?
Prepare components ahead where practical, but follow the serving and texture guidance in the final steps for the best result.
Kitchen tools
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Baking sheet
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Blender
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Chef knife
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Cutting board
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Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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