Bacalao Guisado (Stewed Salted Codfish)

Ingredients

• For the Bacalao:
• 1 lb salted codfish (bacalao), soaked overnight and drained 🐟
• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 0.5 onion, sliced 🧅
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 🌶️
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 🌶️
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 cup tomato sauce 🍅
• 0.5 cup crushed tomatoes 🍅
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano 🌿
• 0.5 tsp salt (adjust as needed) 🧂
• 0.5 cup green olives, sliced 🫒
• 1 tbsp capers (optional) ✨
• 0.5 cup water or fish broth 🍲
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
• For Serving:
• White rice 🍚
• Boiled yuca or tostones 🍌🔥

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Bacalao
2. 2Soak salted cod in cold water overnight (or at least 6 hours), changing the water 2-3 times. Drain, rinse, and flake into large pieces.
3. 32️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
4. 4In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until fragrant. 🌿🔥
5. 53️⃣ Build the Sauce
6. 6Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, paprika, black pepper, oregano, and salt (adjusting for the saltiness of the cod). Let simmer for 5 minutes. 🍅✨
7. 74️⃣ Add the Bacalao
8. 8Add flaked cod, olives, capers (if using), and fish broth. Stir gently and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. 🐟🔥
9. 95️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
10. 10Plate the Bacalao Guisado with white rice and a side of tostones or boiled yuca. Garnish with fresh cilantro. 🍽️✨