Bacalao Guisado

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Bacalao Guisado
Bacalao Guisado is more than just a meal; it's a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean and Latin America. Made with salted cod, a beloved ingredient across many cultures, this stew marries the fish with robust seasonings and vegetables for a dish that's both comforting and flavorful. Whether served over white rice, boiled yuca, or alongside tostones, Bacalao Guisado is a celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs salted cod/bacalao
  • 2 medium-sized russet potatoes, cut into small chunks
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ½ green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp Loisa Recaito
  • ¼ tsp Loisa Organic Sazón
  • ½ tsp Loisa Organic Adobo
  • ¼ tsp Loisa Organic Ground Black Pepper
  • ¼ tsp Loisa Organic Oregano
  • 8 oz can of tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp sliced manzanilla olives, and a little bit of olive juice
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3 to 4 cilantro strands

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacalao: Boil the salted cod in water for about 10 minutes until tender enough to shred. Rinse under cold water, then shred with forks and rinse again to adjust saltiness.

  2. Boil the Potatoes: In a separate pot, boil the potato chunks until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

  3. Sauté the Base: Heat oil in a skillet and cook minced garlic, Recaito, Sazón, Adobo, black pepper, and oregano for about a minute.

  4. Combine and Simmer: Add the tomato sauce, onions, peppers, shredded bacalao, olives, and olive juice. Mix in the potatoes, water, and cilantro, bringing to a slight boil before lowering to a simmer for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are tender.

  5. Serve: Enjoy this hearty stew over white rice, boiled yuca, and tostones, garnished with fresh avocado slices for a complete meal.

A Culinary Delight

Embrace the rich flavors and comforting warmth of Bacalao Guisado, a dish that stands as a testament to the culinary diversity and tradition of Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. This stew, centered around the unique taste of salted cod, is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings together the best of simple ingredients and robust seasonings. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, Bacalao Guisado is sure to become a cherished recipe in your cooking repertoire.

Homemade Sofrito: The Heart of the Stew

No Bacalao Guisado is complete without the rich base of flavors provided by sofrito, a blend of herbs and vegetables that’s foundational in Caribbean and Latin American cooking. Making your own sofrito is simpler than you might think and allows you to infuse your stew with personalized touches of flavor.

Ingredients for Sofrito:

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 3 small ajíes dulces, or sweet green chile peppers, optional

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a coarse paste.

Use immediately in your Bacalao Guisado, or store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage. Making your own sofrito not only adds a burst of freshness and depth to your Bacalao Guisado but also connects you to the culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. Each ingredient contributes its unique flavor, culminating in a blend that is both complex and beautifully harmonious.

Beyond the Recipe: Bacalao Guisado as a Canvas

Bacalao Guisado, with its savory blend of salted cod, vegetables, and aromatic spices, serves as a wonderful canvas for culinary creativity. Consider the following ideas to customize your stew:

  • Add a Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, incorporating a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper can add a pleasant warmth to the dish.
  • Veggie Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers of different colors, or even chunks of pumpkin, to introduce new textures and flavors.
  • A Touch of Sweetness: A small amount of diced sweet potato or plantain can add a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the stew.

A Tradition of Sharing

Bacalao Guisado is more than just a meal; it’s an experience meant to be shared. Gather around the table with family and friends, serve this heartwarming stew, and enjoy the connections that good food always seems to foster. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Bacalao Guisado brings people together in celebration of flavor, tradition, and the simple joy of eating together.

Embrace the art of cooking with Bacalao Guisado and discover the rich tapestry of tastes that salted cod can bring to your table. With each spoonful, you’re not just nourishing the body but also paying homage to a culinary tradition that spans oceans and generations.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Servings Per Recipe: 6
  • Calories: 350

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 10gg (13% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 2gg (10% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 80mgmg (27% DV)
  • Sodium: 1200mgmg (52% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20gg (7% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 3gg (11% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 5gg
  • Protein: 40gg

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Recipe analyzed by verywell.