If you are looking for an incredible recipe to surprise your family this Easter, this Cod Fish Pot Pie (Empadão de Bacalhau) is the perfect choice! This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also surprisingly easy to make. If you want to impress without much effort, keep reading to discover how to prepare this delicacy.
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 1.1 lbs (500g) salt cod (bacalhau), shredded and desalted
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 onions, thinly sliced (half-moons)
- Black pepper to taste
- 5 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 10 pitted green olives
Crust:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 to 10 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- 1 to 2 tbsp ice-cold water
How to Make Cod Fish Pot Pie:
- Start by simmering the shredded desalted cod in water for about 8 minutes.
- Drain well, let it cool, remove any stray skin or bones, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions until translucent. Add the shredded cod, season with black pepper, and mix well.
- Sauté for about one minute, remove from heat, and stir in the chopped parsley. Let the filling cool while you prepare the dough.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and mix until it forms a coarse, moist crumb. Add the beaten egg (if using) and mix just until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- After resting, roll out 2/3 of the dough on a floured surface and line the bottom and sides of a pie dish.
- Spread the cod filling over the crust, add the olives, and cover with the remaining rolled-out dough.
- Seal the edges well and brush the top with a mixture of egg yolk and a splash of water for a golden finish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about one hour, or until the crust is golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep time:
About 1 hour
Yield:
Serves approximately 8
Tip:
Beyond traditional cod, you can use other salted dried fish like pollack or even tuna to make this recipe. These fish go through a similar curing process, providing a delicious savory flavor at a more accessible price point.
Now that you know how to make this incredible savory pie, it’s time to get into the kitchen and surprise your family this Easter. Enjoy and share this wonderful meal with those you love!
Happy cooking!







