Bacalhau com Natas

The story

Bacalhau com Natas is a traditional Portuguese main presented with exact metric quantities, practical preparation detail, controlled temperatures, visual doneness cues and a method suitable for confident home cooking.

Ingredients

• Main ingredients
• 700 g salt coddesalted, flaked
• 800 g potatoes1 cm dice
• 300 g onion3 mm slices
• 600 ml whole milk
• 200 ml double cream
• 50 g plain flour
• 60 g butter
• 60 g breadcrumbs

Method

1. Step 1

   Desalt cod for 24–36 hours in the fridge, changing water several times. Poach gently in milk for 6–8 minutes, then flake and remove bones.

   Look for: The food should match the colour, texture and doneness cues described in the instruction. Tip: Prepare every cut to the stated size so the ingredients cook evenly. Avoid: Do not rush the heat or skip the stated resting, cooling or preparation stage.

2. Step 2

   Dice potatoes to 1 cm and fry or roast until just tender and lightly golden. Slice onions 3 mm and soften in olive oil for 12 minutes.

   Look for: The food should match the colour, texture and doneness cues described in the instruction. Tip: Prepare every cut to the stated size so the ingredients cook evenly. Avoid: Do not rush the heat or skip the stated resting, cooling or preparation stage.

3. Step 3

   Make a béchamel: melt butter, cook flour 1 minute and gradually whisk in the cod-infused milk. Simmer 5 minutes, then add cream.

   Look for: The food should match the colour, texture and doneness cues described in the instruction. Tip: Prepare every cut to the stated size so the ingredients cook evenly. Avoid: Do not rush the heat or skip the stated resting, cooling or preparation stage.

4. Step 4

   Fold cod, potatoes and onions together, season carefully and transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.

   Look for: The food should match the colour, texture and doneness cues described in the instruction. Tip: Prepare every cut to the stated size so the ingredients cook evenly. Avoid: Do not rush the heat or skip the stated resting, cooling or preparation stage.

5. Step 5

   Bake at 200°C conventional or 180°C fan for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden. Rest 10 minutes.

   Look for: The food should match the colour, texture and doneness cues described in the instruction. Tip: Prepare every cut to the stated size so the ingredients cook evenly. Avoid: Do not rush the heat or skip the stated resting, cooling or preparation stage.

Nutrition

per serving

Estimated from a representative ingredient basket; verify against exact brands and edible yields before publication.