Best Easy Bacalao con Papa Recipe

Salt cod stewed with potatoes in a rich tomato sauce is a comforting holiday variation. This high protein, family-friendly dish is a fresh, hearty Christmas Eve meal option.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 275 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean #family friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • salt cod (bacalao), soaked and rinsed 1 lb
  • russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 3 pieces
  • yellow onion, thinly sliced 1 piece
  • red bell pepper, sliced 1 piece
  • canned diced tomatoes 2 cups
  • green olives, pitted and halved 0.5 cup
  • extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garlic, minced 3 cloves
  • bay leaf 2 pieces
  • fresh parsley, chopped 0.25 cup
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • smoked paprika 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 29 g 42%
Protein 22 g 32%
Fat 7 g 26%
Serving size 260g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak salt cod in cold water for 24-36 hours, changing the water 3-4 times; drain and pat dry before use.

  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and red bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened but not colored.

  3. 3

    Stir in the garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute on medium-low to gently release aromas without burning.

  4. 4

    Add potatoes, bay leaf, and canned diced tomatoes. Simmer uncovered over medium heat for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

  5. 5

    Nestle the salt cod pieces and olives into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cod flakes easily.

  6. 6

    Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning with black pepper, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Bacalao con Papa recipe?
The dish centers on salt cod (bacalao), which gives this stew its signature flavor, high protein value, and traditional holiday character. The combination of cod, potatoes, and a savory tomato-based sauce defines its identity.
Q. How do I control the heat when cooking Bacalao con Papa?
Begin by sautéing onions and peppers over medium heat to soften without browning. When adding garlic and paprika, briefly lower the heat to prevent burning aromatic spices. For the final stewing phase, simmer gently over low heat to ensure even cooking without toughening the cod.
Q. How can I prevent the salt cod or potatoes from overcooking?
Add potatoes before the cod to give them a head start; simmer them in the sauce until just tending soft, then add salt cod for the final cooking. This timing keeps the cod tender and flaky while the potatoes hold their shape.
Q. How many calories and macronutrients are in each serving?
Each 260g serving contains about 275 kcal, with 29g carbohydrate (42%), 22g protein (32%), and 7g fat (26%), making this a balanced, protein-rich meal.
Q. Which seasoning makes the biggest difference in flavor?
Smoked paprika and bay leaf are key; smoked paprika enhances the tomato sauce with a subtle depth, while bay leaf adds aromatic complexity during the stew's slow simmer.
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