Bacalhau Com Natas - Salt Cod Gratin

BACALHAU COM NATAS - SALT COD GRATIN

This is another Portugese recipe that we like to do, although I have altered it slightly and added a few more 'interesting' items to my liking. We only tend to buy 'morue' (salt cod) when it's on 'promo'!

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: approximately 30 minutes

Serves 4

I large piece of salt cod
Potatoes for frying - I tend to use my airfryer to cook these in - about 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
1 onion - sliced into rings
4 cloves of garlic - finely chopped
5 tbsps olive oil
2 bay leaves
50cl cream
50cl milk
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsps unsalted butter
2 tbsps flour
Pepper to taste - I don't add any salt to my sauce
Grated cheese (opt)
Sliced mushrooms (opt)

Method:

Soak the salt cod for approximately 24 hours, or 48 if heavily salted - changing the water frequently.

Parboil the salt cod for approximately 5 minutes in a pan of water.  Flake the fillets and remove any bones and skin.  Set aside. 

Fry the cubed potatoes until golden - about 20  mins, you can also fry them in a pan if you don't have an airfryer or deep fat fryer.

In a frying pan, saute the onions in the olive oil with a bay leaf at then add the garlic and sliced mushrooms if using, making sure it doesn't burn, approx. 5 to 8 minutes.  Add the cod, saute a little bit more and then add the potatoes, mixing all together.  Turn off the heat and set aside.

Make the Bechamel sauce:

Melt the butter in a pan and once melted add the flour and bay leaf and whisk until incorporated, still whisking slowly add the milk and cream until you have a thick creamy texture, add some pepper and nutmeg.  I also like to add a teaspoon of dijon mustard whenever I make a white sauce for more flavour.  I must admit that I do not measure when I make my bechamel sauce, so the measurements are approximate.

Put the cod mixture into a large baking dish and then pour the sauce over to cover.  

I like to put some grated cheese over the top before putting in the oven which gives it a nice golden crust and a bit more flavour, but your choice!

Cook for approximately 20 mins - 180 degrees (fan).