Codfish & Mashed Potatoes Casserole

Para versão Portuguesa clique aqui: “Bacalhau à Zé do Pipo”

Another traditional Portuguese dish made with codfish. Apparently there are as many recipes for codfish as days in a year. Maybe. This codfish casserole created by a gentleman here in Porto, has mayonnaise which is not traditionally used in Portuguese cuisine. But that element gives the dish a richness and flavour that is much appreciated.

2 codfish fillets

Milk (enough to cook fish)

2 onions, medium size

2 garlic cloves

1 bay leaf

4 tbsp “Mayonnaise” (click here for recipe or check blog archive)

Olive oil

¼ cup white wine

Salt and pepper to taste

8 medium sized potatoes
2 tbsp butter

Cook the potatoes in water seasoned with salt. Cook the codfish in enough milk just to cover the fish for about 10 minutes. Do not discard milk, use it to make the mashed potatoes. Mash the potatoes, add butter and enough milk to make soft, thick mashed potatoes. 

Slice onions and chop garlic. Fry them in olive oil along with the bay leaf about 10 minutes until they become transparent, not brown. Add the wine and let simmer for an extra 5 minutes.

Pre-heat oven at 200º.

Remove the larger bones from the fish and lay the fish in an oven-proof tray. Cover the fish with the onions. Spread mayonnaise on top and surround with the mashed potatoes. Place in the oven for about 20 minutes until potatoes and mayonnaise start to brown.