Ready to impress this Christmas and New Year’s with a mouth-watering dish? We present our Cod Fricassée (Fricassé de Bacalhau), an irresistible option for your holiday festivities. This dish is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, sure to enchant your guests. Let’s dive into this delicious step-by-step recipe and make your celebrations even more special.
Ingredients for Cod Fricassée:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika
- Pinch of black pepper
- 10.5 oz (300g) salted cod (bacalhau), desalted, cooked, and shredded
- Fresh parsley and cilantro, to taste
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese (e.g., Catupiry or high-quality spreadable cream cheese)
- Grated Parmesan and mozzarella for topping
Corn Cream:
- 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
- In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the tomatoes, hot paprika, and black pepper; sauté briefly.
- Incorporate the shredded cod, add parsley and cilantro to taste, then remove from heat. Stir in the cream cheese.
- In a blender, combine the corn, milk, flour, oregano, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- In another pan, melt the butter with a drizzle of olive oil, add the blended corn mixture, and cook until it thickens.
- Adjust salt if needed and stir in the heavy cream until well combined.
- Assembly: Spread the cod mixture into a baking dish.
- Gently pour the corn cream over the cod layer.
- Top with a layer of shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese, followed by a final sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Serve the Cod Fricassée with fresh white rice and, if desired, top with potato sticks (batata palha) just before serving.
- Enjoy!
Pro Tip:
To add a festive touch, try adding dried fruits like apricots to the cod mixture. The hot paprika and black pepper provide a unique flavor contrast. For an even creamier texture, you can substitute the cream cheese with heavy cream.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
A Culinary Curiosity:
While cod is often associated with Easter, it shines brightly during Christmas and New Year’s as well. This Cod Fricassée combines the sophistication of white fish with irresistible creaminess, creating a unique dish to delight your guests. Let this recipe become the star of your holiday menu!
Wishing you a festive season filled with joy, love, and delicious meals. Happy Holidays!