Bifana Traditional Portuguese Bifana Recipe We Travel Portugal from wetravelportugal.com
Introduction
Portuguese cuisine is known for its delicious seafood and unique flavors. One of the most popular dishes is Bacalhau com Natas, which is made with salt cod and cream. This creamy and flavorful dish is a staple in many Portuguese households, and it's easy to see why. In this article, we'll show you how to make Bacalhau com Natas at home.
Ingredients
To make Bacalhau com Natas, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 pound salt cod - 2 pounds potatoes - 2 onions - 4 cloves of garlic - 2 bay leaves - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup milk - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste
Salt Cod
The most important ingredient in Bacalhau com Natas is salt cod, which is also known as bacalhau. You can find salt cod at most specialty grocery stores or online. Before using the salt cod, you'll need to soak it in water for at least 24 hours to remove the excess salt. Change the water every few hours to ensure that the fish is properly desalted.
Potatoes
Potatoes are another key ingredient in this recipe. You'll need to peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. You can use a mandoline to make this process easier.
Onions and Garlic
The onions and garlic add flavor to the dish. You'll need to chop the onions and mince the garlic before using them in the recipe.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves add a subtle herbal flavor to the dish. You'll need to remove the bay leaves before serving.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is used to make the dish creamy and rich. You can substitute half-and-half or milk if you prefer a lighter version.
Milk and Parmesan Cheese
Milk and Parmesan cheese are used to make the sauce for the dish. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the sauce.
Soak the salt cod in water for at least 24 hours, changing the water every few hours. After the fish is desalted, remove the skin and bones and flake the fish into small pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 5-7 minutes, until they are just tender. Drain the potatoes and set aside.
In a separate pot, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Bake the dish for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the bay leaves before serving. You can garnish the dish with chopped parsley or scallions.
Nutrition
Bacalhau com Natas is a rich and creamy dish that is high in calories and fat. One serving of the dish (about 1/6 of the recipe) contains approximately 600 calories, 40 grams of fat, and 30 grams of protein. It's not a dish that you should eat every day, but it's a delicious treat that is perfect for special occasions.
Conclusion
Bacalhau com Natas is a classic Portuguese dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. With its creamy sauce and tender salt cod, it's a dish that is full of flavor and texture. Try making this dish at home and experience the delicious taste of Portugal.