Cod in traditional and modern cuisine: 10 recipes to enjoy it at this time of year
Cod is once again in the spotlight at this time of year for a clear reason: it continues to be one of the most popular fish in Lent and Easter cuisine. It has been part of the traditional recipe book for generations, but that has not prevented it from adapting to more modern and lighter ways of cooking.
Its interest in cooking has to do with several specific qualities. It has a firm flesh, it accepts very different techniques and fits well in oven and spoon dishes as well as in fried dishes, salads or fresher preparations. That is why it continues to work just as well in classic recipes as in more modern ones.
These ten recipes show just that. They bring together dishes that are part of the tradition and others that fit better in a faster and everyday cooking, but all of them are based on the same idea: to make good use of a fish that still has a lot to say on the table at this time of the year... or not necessarily.
Cod with cream, Portuguese tradition
A classic of Portuguese cuisine that combines crumbled cod, potato and a creamy baked base. It is a hearty recipe, designed for sharing, which demonstrates how cod is well adapted to richer and more enveloping preparations.
Portuguese codfish fritters
Small, irregular, with that homemade touch that does not seek perfection. These fritters are a simple way to start a meal or solve an appetizer without complications, with the cod well integrated into the dough.
Cod puff pastry with spinach
Here the cod is presented in a more attractive way, wrapped in puff pastry and accompanied by spinach. An option that works well when looking for something different without resorting to complex techniques.
Codfish en papillote
Cooking in parchment (en papillote) is a clean and efficient way to work with fish. The cod is steamed in its own steam, with vegetables and aromas that respect its flavor and keep its texture intact.
Golden cod or bacalhau à brás
One of Portugal's most recognizable dishes. Crumbled cod, fine potato and softly bound egg. A straightforward recipe, without artifice, that still works because it is so well balanced.
Chickpea and cod salad
A lighter proposal that combines legumes and cold fish. It is practical, can be left ready in advance and fits well both as a main dish and as an accompaniment.
Codfish Acras
Very popular in French and Caribbean cuisine, acras de bacalao are a kind of small, spicy, fried fritters with a light interior and a golden surface. They are a different way of incorporating cod to the recipe book.
Traditional codfish fritters
Closer to the classic Spanish recipe book, these fritters have a light texture and a recognizable flavor. They work well both as a tapa and in an informal meal.
Cod with baked potatoes
One of those recipes that need no introduction. Fish, potato and oven in a simple combination that still makes sense in everyday cooking.
Codfish ceviche
A different way of working this fish, moving away from traditional cooking. The acid marinade changes its texture and opens the door to a fresher and more modern approach.
Patricia González









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