Portuguese Main

Bacalhau com Natas

Salt cod, potatoes and onions baked in a creamy sauce beneath a golden crust.

35 minsPrep time
55 minsCook time
Serves 6Servings
MediumDifficulty
Bacalhau com Natas
About this dish

Bacalhau com Natas: the story on the plate

Bacalhau com Natas is a traditional Portuguese main presented with exact metric quantities, practical preparation detail, controlled temperatures, visual doneness cues and a method suitable for confident home cooking.

Historical background

A traditional dish connected to Portuguese home cooking, regional produce and established preparation methods.

Why it is famous

It is valued for recognisable flavours, practical technique and a clear sense of place.

Cultural significance

The recipe reflects the ingredients and cooking habits associated with Portuguese food culture.

Nutrition

Estimated nutrition per serving

Useful for meal planning and calorie-aware recipe browsing.

620Calories
35gProtein
48gCarbs
31gFat

Estimated from a representative ingredient basket; verify against exact brands and edible yields before publication.

Ingredients

What you need

  • 700 salt cod, desalted, flaked
  • 800 potatoes, 1 cm dice
  • 300 onion, 3 mm slices
  • 600 whole milk
  • 200 double cream
  • 50 plain flour
  • 60 butter
  • 60 breadcrumbs
Method

Step-by-step method

Follow the recipe in order, tasting and adjusting seasoning where needed.

  1. Desalt cod for 24–36 hours in the fridge, changing water several times. Poach gently in milk for 6–8 minutes, then flake and remove bones.
  2. Dice potatoes to 1 cm and fry or roast until just tender and lightly golden. Slice onions 3 mm and soften in olive oil for 12 minutes.
  3. Make a béchamel: melt butter, cook flour 1 minute and gradually whisk in the cod-infused milk. Simmer 5 minutes, then add cream.
  4. Fold cod, potatoes and onions together, season carefully and transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
  5. Bake at 200°C conventional or 180°C fan for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden. Rest 10 minutes.
Cook smarter

Tips, storage and serving advice

Shopping tips

Buy the freshest central ingredient available and check seafood, meat or dairy dates carefully.

Ingredient quality

Use even cuts, accurate scales and fresh herbs or spices.

Common mistakes

Uneven cutting, overcrowding the pan, excessive heat and insufficient resting are the most common failures.

Chef’s tips

Read the complete method first, prepare all ingredients, and use a thermometer for meat or frying oil.

How to know it is cooked

Use the stated visual cue and internal temperature rather than time alone.

Plating advice

Serve on warmed plates for savoury dishes or cooled plates for desserts.

Make ahead

Complete preparatory stages ahead where noted; finish crisp, fried or delicate components close to service.

Storage and reheating

Cool within two hours, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days unless seafood guidance requires earlier use. Reheat savoury food gently until piping hot throughout; avoid repeated reheating.

Wine pairing

What to drink with Bacalhau com Natas

Pairings are chosen around the dish’s flavour, texture, richness, acidity and cooking style — not just the country it comes from.

Albariño / Vinho Verde wine pairing
#1 Great match White

Albariño / Vinho Verde

Why it works: Saline citrus fruit and high acidity make Albariño or Vinho Verde a particularly credible match for shellfish, salt cod and Atlantic fish.

Fresh coastal white wine with citrus, peach, sea-spray minerality and bright acidity. Excellent with seafood, salt cod, octopus and light fried fish.

GrapeAlbariño, Alvarinho, Loureiro, Arinto
RegionRías Baixas, Minho, Vinho Verde
Wine flavourlime, peach, saline, green apple, blossom
Serve at7-9°C
  • Flavour bridge: salinity and citrus connect directly to seafood
  • Acidity: High acidity cuts oil and salt.
  • Body: Light body respects delicate seafood.
  • Tannin: Very low tannin prevents metallic notes.
  • Sweetness: Dryness keeps the finish clean.
  • Best for: Selected specifically for this British or Portuguese recipe.
Chablis / Unoaked Chardonnay wine pairing
#1 Great match White

Chablis / Unoaked Chardonnay

Why it works: Mineral, unoaked Chardonnay has the weight for fish and butter while retaining enough acidity for shellfish and creamy sauces.

Lean Chardonnay with citrus, apple, chalk and shell-like minerality. Perfect with white fish, butter sauces, shellfish and delicate starters.

GrapeChardonnay
RegionChablis, Mâcon, Margaret River, Limarí
Wine flavourlemon, green apple, chalk, oyster shell
Serve at8-10°C
  • Flavour bridge: lemon, apple and chalk bridge fish and butter
  • Acidity: High acidity balances butter or cream.
  • Body: Medium body matches flaky fish and poultry.
  • Tannin: No meaningful tannin.
  • Sweetness: Dry style suits savoury sauces.
  • Best for: Selected specifically for this British or Portuguese recipe.
White Burgundy / Oaked Chardonnay wine pairing
#1 Great match White

White Burgundy / Oaked Chardonnay

Why it works: Oaked Chardonnay mirrors cream, toast and butter and has enough body for rich poultry, gratins and substantial fish dishes.

Fuller Chardonnay with orchard fruit, cream, toast and hazelnut. Ideal for creamy sauces, roast poultry, rich fish and cheese dishes.

GrapeChardonnay
RegionBurgundy, California, Margaret River, South Africa
Wine flavourapple, peach, butter, toast, hazelnut
Serve at10-12°C
  • Flavour bridge: toast and orchard fruit echo browned dairy flavours
  • Acidity: Medium-high acidity prevents heaviness.
  • Body: Medium-full body matches creamy food.
  • Tannin: Low tannin suits poultry and fish.
  • Sweetness: Dry wine avoids excess sweetness.
  • Best for: Selected specifically for this British or Portuguese recipe.
Grüner Veltliner wine pairing
#1 Great match White

Grüner Veltliner

Why it works: Grüner Veltliner offers pepper, citrus and firm acidity that pair naturally with Austrian, pork, herb and vegetable-led dishes.

Peppery, citrusy white with high acidity and a savoury snap. Brilliant with vegetables, pork, fried dishes, herbs and awkward wine-pairing foods.

GrapeGrüner Veltliner
RegionWachau, Kamptal, Kremstal
Wine flavourlime, green apple, white pepper, lentil, herbs
Serve at8-10°C
  • Flavour bridge: white pepper and herbs mirror seasoning
  • Acidity: High acidity cuts frying and pork fat.
  • Body: Light-medium body suits veal and vegetables.
  • Tannin: Low tannin.
  • Sweetness: Dry finish keeps the match precise.
  • Best for: Selected specifically for this British or Portuguese recipe.

These are wine-style pairings, so you can choose any bottle in that style rather than needing one exact producer. Look for the grape, region or style name on the label.