15 de diciembre de 2024

Discover the Delicious and Nutritious Traditional Spanish Dish: Espinacas con Bacalao

Receta de Espinacas con Bacalao

Discover the Delicious and Nutritious Traditional Spanish Dish: Espinacas con Bacalao

One of the most beloved and iconic dishes in Spanish cuisine is Espinacas con Bacalao, which translates to Spinach with Codfish. This traditional dish hails from the beautiful region of Andalusia in southern Spain, where it is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Espinacas con Bacalao is not only incredibly delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Ingredients:

500g salted codfish

1kg fresh spinach

4 cloves of garlic

1 onion

1 red bell pepper

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Soaking the Codfish:

Start by soaking the salted codfish in cold water for at least 24 hours, changing the water every 6-8 hours. This process will help remove the excess salt from the fish, resulting in a milder flavor. Once the codfish has been properly soaked, drain the water and set it aside.

2. Preparing the Spinach:

Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the spinach for about 2 minutes. Drain the spinach and immediately submerge it in a bowl of ice water to retain its vibrant green color. Once cooled, squeeze out any excess water and set the spinach aside.

3. Sautéing the Vegetables:

Finely chop the garlic cloves, onion, and red bell pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until they become tender and slightly golden, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

4. Cooking the Codfish:

Cut the soaked codfish into small pieces and add them to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle the sweet paprika, ground cumin, and ground black pepper over the fish. Stir gently to coat the codfish evenly with the spices. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the codfish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

5. Combining the Spinach and Codfish:

Add the blanched spinach to the skillet with the codfish and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the spinach is well incorporated and heated through. Season with salt to taste.

6. Serving:

Espinacas con Bacalao is traditionally served hot. You can enjoy it as a main dish accompanied by crusty bread or as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled seafood. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and some lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Now you can impress your friends and family with this authentic Spanish recipe for Espinacas con Bacalao. Its combination of tender codfish, flavorful vegetables, and nutrient-rich spinach will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Andalusia. ¡Buen provecho!