Bakalar po domaću (Croatian Salted Cod Stew)

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) salted cod 500g (1.1 lb) salted cod
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 bell peppers, diced 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the salted cod under cold water to remove excess salt. Place it in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let it soak for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours.
2. 2.
   Drain the cod and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Add the salted cod, potatoes, paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Pour enough water to cover all the ingredients.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Bakalar po domaću hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Drizzle with olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Salted cod — Soaking the cod for 24 hours is crucial to remove excess salt and achieve the desired flavor. Make sure to change the water every 6 hours to ensure the best results.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the stew while simmering.
• Serve the Bakalar po domaću with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes to create a creamier texture.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the Bakalar po domaću in deep bowls, allowing the stew to take center stage. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread and a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each serving of Bakalar po domaću with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the flaky salted cod will make for an appetizing presentation.