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
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition per serving
These figures are estimates per serving. Actual nutrition can vary with the brands and exact amounts you use, how much oil, dressing or sauce is absorbed, any substitutions or added extras, and the portion size served.A practical guide for comparing recipes and planning meals.
620Calories
35gProtein
48gCarbs
31gFat
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Make a béchamel: melt butter, cook flour 1 minute and gradually whisk in the cod-infused milk. Simmer 5 minutes, then add cream.
- Fold cod, potatoes and onions together, season carefully and transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 200°C conventional or 180°C fan for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden. Rest 10 minutes.
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Tips, storage and serving advice
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Ingredient quality
Common mistakes
Chef’s tips
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Make ahead
Storage and reheating
Wine pairing
What to drink with Bacalhau com Natas
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.Pairings are chosen around the dish’s flavour, texture, richness, acidity and cooking style, not just the country it comes from.
#1
Excellent match
White
Albariño / Vinho Verde
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: citrus, saline and mineral notes echo the maritime character of the dish
- Acidity: High acidity sharpens seafood and balances butter or oil
- Body: Light-to-medium body respects delicate texture
- Tannin: Very low tannin avoids metallic clashes with seafood
- Sweetness: Dry profile keeps the finish savoury
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
#2
Great match
White
Chablis / Unoaked Chardonnay
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: citrus, saline and mineral notes echo the maritime character of the dish
- Acidity: High acidity sharpens seafood and balances butter or oil
- Body: Light-to-medium body respects delicate texture
- Tannin: Very low tannin avoids metallic clashes with seafood
- Sweetness: Dry profile keeps the finish savoury
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
#3
Interesting match
White
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi
Why it works:
- Flavour bridge: citrus, saline and mineral notes echo the maritime character of the dish
- Acidity: High acidity sharpens seafood and balances butter or oil
- Body: Light-to-medium body respects delicate texture
- Tannin: Very low tannin avoids metallic clashes with seafood
- Sweetness: Dry profile keeps the finish savoury
- Best for: Dinner, entertaining or recipe pairing
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