Portuguese Cod Casserole

Deantini's Note:

Wonderful cod dish from Portugal. From Canadian Food Network.Traditionally made in a terra cotta dish that has been soaked in water. You can use an oven proof covered baking dish instead

• Total Time: 1 hrs 35 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced on a mandolin
• 3 plum tomatoes, sliced (Roma potatoes work well)
• 1/4 cup oil-cured black olive, drained, pitted and finely chopped
• 2 lbs cod fish fillets, fresh
• 1 cup chicken broth
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Soak a 3-litre (3-quart) terracotta baking dish and its cover in water for about 15 minutes. If you are not using a terracotta dish, preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) with the rack in the middle position (see note).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, caramelize the onions in oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute. Set aside.
3. Remove the terracotta dish and cover from the water.
4. Cover the bottom of the dish with one quarter of the potato slices.
5. Add half the tomatoes and olives. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover with another quarter of the potatoes. Cover with the onion and garlic mixture.
7. Cover with another quarter of the potatoes, and then lay the fish on top. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with the remaining potatoes, tomatoes and olives.
8. Add the broth. Adjust the seasoning.
9. Cover the dish and place it in the centre of the oven. Turn the oven on to 200°C (400°F). Bake until the potatoes are tender, about 1 1/4 hours. Let stand for 15 minutes and serve.
10. *Note: If you do not have a terracotta dish, you can use any ovenproof covered baking dish. In that case, preheat the oven and reduce the cooking time to about 1 hour.

Reviews

[Nyteglori]

A very pretty dish. Rather bland, I think it needed a bit of spicing up. I think if we make it again we might use a spiced canned tomatoes like Italian tomatoes or Rotel. I didnt have a terra cotta dish so I used corning ware. I think I should have reduced the liquid as it was very soupy (the terra cotta would have allowed for more evaporation.)

[ellie_]

We enjoyed this very easy-to-make fish dish served with Biggest Loser White House Salad. I didn't have the special terra cotta dish, so used a regular baking dish covered with foil. I also subbed cat fish for the cod! Very good! Thanks for sharing!

[Chef #570804 Halifax Liz]

Wonderful flavors, especially when made with very thick cut cod Enjoy some great fish dishes when we live in the Algarve (6 months of the year). A terra cotta dish is a good investment. Have also had this, or similar, made with salt cod.