Nordic-style Salted Cod with Creamy Dill Sauce

Ingredients

In this Nordic adaptation of Bacalhau à Algarvia, the traditional Portuguese dish, we incorporate Nordic flavors and ingredients to create a unique culinary experience. The original dish typically includes Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, tomatoes, and garlic, which are replaced with Nordic elements such as dill, sour cream, and lemon zest. This adaptation brings a fresh and light twist to the dish, perfectly suited to Nordic cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Bacalhau à Algarvia, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) salted cod 500g (1.1 lb) salted cod
• 500ml (2 cups) water 500ml (2 cups) water
• 250ml (1 cup) sour cream 250ml (1 cup) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the salted cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours.
2. 2.
   Drain the cod and place it in a large pot with 500ml (2 cups) of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, chopped dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. 4.
   Remove the cod from the pot and flake it into large chunks.
5. 5.
   In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flaked cod and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned.
6. 6.
   Pour the creamy dill sauce over the cod and gently stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is heated through.
7. 7.
   Serve the Nordic-style Salted Cod with Creamy Dill Sauce hot, garnished with fresh dill sprigs.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Salted cod — Soaking the salted cod for 24 hours is crucial to remove excess salt and ensure a balanced flavor in the final dish.
• Fresh dill — Use fresh dill for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with dried dill, but reduce the quantity by half.
• Lemon zest — Make sure to grate only the outer yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a smoky flavor, you can lightly grill the cod before flaking it.
• Serve the dish with boiled potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the dill sauce.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon zest if desired.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the Nordic-style Salted Cod with Creamy Dill Sauce as a main course, accompanied by boiled potatoes or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the dish by placing the flaked cod on a serving platter and pouring the creamy dill sauce over it. Sprinkle some additional chopped dill and lemon zest on top for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.