🇵🇹 Bacalhau à Brás: A Delicious Portuguese Dish 🍽️
Bacalhau à Brás is a classic Portuguese dish that’s both delicious and rich in history. 🇵🇹🍽️
📜 History:
This dish dates back to the 18th century when Portugal was a major player in the global trade of salted codfish, known as “bacalhau” in Portuguese. The term “à Brás” is said to refer to a man named Braz, who supposedly invented this recipe. The dish evolved over the centuries, and today, it’s one of the most popular and beloved Portuguese dishes.
🥘 Ingredients:
To prepare Bacalhau à Brás, you will need the following components:
- 250g of salted codfish (bacalhau), soaked and desalted
- 300g of thinly sliced potatoes (thin like matchsticks)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 50ml of olive oil
- 6 eggs
- Parsley, finely chopped
- Black olives (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Start by soaking the salted codfish in cold water for 24-48 hours, changing the water several times to remove excess salt. Once desalted, shred the cod into small pieces.
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In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
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Add the thinly sliced potatoes to the pan and cook them until they are golden and crispy.
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Now, add the shredded codfish to the pan and cook it for a few more minutes.
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In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and season them with salt and pepper. Pour the beaten eggs over the codfish and potato mixture.
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Gently stir the ingredients together until the eggs are fully cooked, but still creamy. The stirring process should be gentle to avoid breaking the eggs.
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Finish the dish by garnishing with finely chopped parsley and, if desired, some black olives for a burst of flavor.
🕒 Preparation Time:
The total time to prepare Bacalhau à Brás usually takes around 60-75 minutes. This includes the time for soaking the codfish and the actual cooking process.
🍽️ Bacalhau à Brás is a delightful Portuguese culinary tradition that combines the rich history of salted codfish with the flavors of potatoes, eggs, and seasonings. It’s a mouthwatering and comforting dish enjoyed by many, and it’s an excellent representation of the Portuguese culinary heritage. Enjoy! 🇵🇹🍽️😋
🍽️ Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Bacalhau à Brás
Bacalhau à Brás is a delicious Portuguese dish, but it’s important to be aware of its nutrition facts and health information, especially if you’re watching your diet or have specific dietary concerns. Here’s a general overview:
📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Sodium: Varies depending on how well you desalt the codfish
🔍 Health Information:
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Protein: Bacalhau à Brás is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The salted codfish in the dish is a notable protein contributor.
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Carbohydrates: This dish contains carbohydrates primarily from the potatoes. Carbohydrates provide energy, but the amount may vary depending on the size of the potato slices used.
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Fat: The fat content in Bacalhau à Brás comes mainly from the olive oil used for cooking. Olive oil is a healthier source of fat, primarily monounsaturated fats, which can be heart-healthy when consumed in moderation.
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Sodium: Salted codfish can be high in sodium due to the preservation process. Soaking and desalting the codfish are crucial to reduce the sodium content. Limiting added salt during cooking can also help manage sodium intake.
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Fiber: While this dish is not particularly high in fiber, the inclusion of black olives and parsley can contribute some dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestion.
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Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, as larger servings can increase the overall calorie and nutrient intake.
🚨 Caution: If you have dietary restrictions or health concerns, please be aware of the salt content in salted codfish, especially if you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet. Also, consider the fat content from the olive oil, although it is generally considered a healthier cooking oil.
As with any meal, Bacalhau à Brás can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. If you have specific dietary requirements or health concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
