Baked Salted Cod with Potatoes using Frozen Salted Cod
This baked salted cod with potatoes is a delicious main course, perfect for any occasion, but especially ideal for the Christmas holidays. It cannot be missed on our tables, especially on the Christmas Eve menu. Here in Apulia, salted cod with potatoes is a dish from our peasant tradition, and in winter we often prepare it as a fish main course. A humble dish made with few and simple ingredients at a low cost. If you want to impress your guests at Christmas or during the holiday season, then prepare baked salted cod with potatoes—it will surely be greatly appreciated!
Let’s see how to prepare it
For the Christmas holidays you can also prepare
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Rest time: 2 Days
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Christmas, Fall, Winter
Ingredients for Baked Salted Cod with Potatoes
- 2.2 lbs desalted salted cod (or frozen)
- 1.1 lbs potatoes (5-6)
- olive oil (to taste)
- 10 oz peeled tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
- 1 clove garlic
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 1 water (to taste)
- 1 bunch parsley
- black olives
Storage
The baked salted cod with potatoes is a classic Italian dish, but it can be personalized based on regional tastes and traditions. Here are some variations and notes to enhance the recipe:
Variations
With Cherry Tomatoes
Add halved cherry tomatoes on top of the potatoes and salted cod for a touch of freshness and acidity.
You can also use tomato passata to create a wetter base.
With Olives and Capers
Black or Taggiasca olives and rinsed salted capers give an intense Mediterranean flavor.
With Onions
Place a layer of thinly sliced onions between the potatoes and salted cod for a sweet and aromatic taste.
With Herbs
Rosemary, thyme, parsley, or bay leaves can be added for a fragrant dish.
For a more particular touch, try oregano or wild fennel.
With Cream or Milk
For a creamier texture, pour a little milk or cream between the layers of potatoes and salted cod before baking.
With Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle the salted cod and potatoes with a mix of breadcrumbs, chopped garlic, and parsley for a crunchy crust.
With Vegetables
You can add sliced zucchini, peppers, or carrots for a richer and more colorful dish.
Useful Notes
Soaking Salted Cod: If using salted cod, remember to soak it for at least 48 hours, changing the water every 8 hours.
Cutting Potatoes: Slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly with the salted cod.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use quality oil to season the dish, it’s essential to enhance the flavors.
Baking: Bake in a static oven at 356-392°F for about 30-40 minutes, covering with aluminum foil in the first half of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
Marinating Salted Cod: For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the salted cod with oil, garlic, and parsley before baking.
Final Suggestion
Serve the baked salted cod with potatoes accompanied by a fresh and aromatic white wine, such as Vermentino or Falanghina, to enhance the fish’s flavor. 😊
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here’s a list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about baked salted cod with potatoes to clarify any doubts about the preparation and variations of the dish:
Should I use already soaked or salted cod?
You can use both. If you choose salted cod, remember to soak it for 48 hours, changing the water every 8 hours to remove excess salt. Already soaked cod is more practical, but make sure it is well desalted.
PCan I use stockfish instead of salted cod?
Yes, stockfish (dried cod) is a great alternative. However, it requires a longer soak, usually 4-5 days, frequently changing the water.
How to prevent the salted cod from drying out in the oven?
Cover the dish with aluminum foil during the first 20 minutes of cooking and then remove it to brown the surface.
Add a drizzle of oil or some milk to keep the moisture.Do the potatoes need to be pre-cooked?
It’s not necessary, but slicing them thinly (about 1/8 – 1/6 inch) will help them cook evenly with the salted cod. If you prefer thicker slices, you can blanch them for 5 minutes before placing them in the baking dish.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Onions, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, or carrots are excellent additions to enrich the dish.
How long should it cook in the oven?
The baked salted cod with potatoes cooks in about 30-40 minutes at 356-392°F. Check the doneness of the potatoes with a fork: if they are soft, the dish is ready.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. Cook it right before serving. Alternatively, you can cook it and reheat it in the oven for a few minutes.
Which spices or herbs pair best?
The most used herbs are parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, or bay leaf. You can also add chopped garlic and black pepper for a more robust flavor.
How to get a crunchy crust?
Sprinkle the surface with a mix of breadcrumbs, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil before baking.
What can I serve it with?
Serve it with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or a side of sautéed spinach. For wine, choose a dry and aromatic white like Vermentino or Greco di Tufo.
