Print Portuguese Christmas Eve Cod

Adapted from Edite Vieira | The Taste of Portugal | Grub Street, 2000

For Christmas Eve supper, make plenty of this favorite easy-to-make dish.–Edite Vieira

Portuguese Christmas Eve Cod Recipe

Quick Glance
25 M
1 H
Serves 6 to 8

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Ingredients

2 pounds salt cod, cut into 6 or 8 fillets
1 1/2 pounds potatoes, boiled in their skins and peeled while still hot
1 large head cabbage, cut into 8 pieces, blanched until just tender
12 hard-boiled eggs, sliced in half
For the sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil, per person
1 clove garlic, per person, minced
1 teaspoon wine vinegar, per person (or less to taste)

Directions

1. Rinse the cod under cold running water to remove any surface salt. Place the fish pieces in a large nonreactive pot, cover with water and refrigerate (covered) for 24 hours, changing the water several times.
2. Pour off the water, and refill with enough boiling water to cover the fish by several inches. Cover the pan with a heavy dishtowel and leave the cod to soak in the hot water for 30 minutes. (If the fish isn’t cooked fully, simmer gently until finished.) Drain the cod, and remove any bits of skin or bone.
3. To make the sauce, bring the oil and garlic to a boil in a small saucepan, remove from the heat, add the vinegar, beat well and serve in a sauceboat.

Note

All these items must be cooked at the last minute, just before serving, so as to be brought to the table at their best. They are served on big platters, separately.

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