Bacalhau, or salted cod, is at the heart of Portuguese cuisine, and one of the most beloved ways to prepare it is Bacalhau à Lagareiro. This dish features tender oven-roasted cod, golden crushed potatoes (“batatas ao murro”), caramelized onions, and plenty of high-quality olive oil—a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors! 🇵🇹✨

For Cooking the Cod:

• 4 pieces of cod loin (preferably desalted)
• 3 cloves of garlic (whole, peeled)
• 1 bay leaf

It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Let’s get cooking!

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Potatoes:

• 10 small potatoes (whole, skin on)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 large onion, sliced into half-moons
• Extra virgin olive oil (about 1 cup, high quality is key!)

For Garnishing:

• 1 head of garlic (roasted whole)
• Black olives (preferably Greek or Portuguese)
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Boil the Potatoes & Prepare the Cod

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the potatoes (unpeeled) and let them cook for 5-8 minutes.
2. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water to infuse the potatoes with flavor.
3. Meanwhile, place the cod fillets in an oven-safe dish. Drizzle generously with olive oil and add the whole garlic cloves. Set aside.

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2️⃣ Roast Everything in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Drain the potatoes and place them in the baking dish with the cod.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the cod is tender and the potatoes are golden.
4. 15 minutes before the dish is ready, add the sliced onions on top. This ensures they cook just right—soft but not burned.

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3️⃣ “Batatas ao Murro” – The Secret to Perfect Potatoes

What is “Batatas ao Murro”? In Portuguese, it means “punched potatoes.” This traditional technique enhances the texture, making them crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, soaking up all the olive oil and flavors.

🔹 How to do it:

• Once the potatoes are out of the oven, gently press them down with the back of a spoon or a kitchen towel—just enough to crack them open but not completely mash them.
• Drizzle with even more olive oil and toss them lightly to absorb all the flavors.

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4️⃣ Final Touches & Serving

1. Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Add a handful of black olives on top.
3. Serve hot, with crusty bread to soak up that delicious olive oil!

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💡 Why You’ll Love This Dish

✅ Authentic & Traditional – A true Portuguese classic 🇵🇹
✅ Easy to Make – Simple steps, incredible flavor!
✅ Olive Oil Heaven – The richness of good olive oil makes all the difference
✅ Perfect for Family Dinners – Comforting, filling, and full of tradition

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📩 Want more traditional recipes like this? Let us know in the comments or DM us for more Portuguese favorites!

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