Bacalhau à Brás — a traditional Portuguese cod dish on a serving platter, garnished with parsley and olives.

Bacalhau à Brás: Authentic Portuguese Cod with Premium Esporão Olive Oil | Desapega

Missing that taste of Portugal? The aroma of bacalhau sizzling in premium olive oil, mixed with golden potatoes and creamy eggs? That iconic Portuguese dish that brings you straight back to Sunday lunch in Lisboa? You're not alone. Every Portuguese person in the Netherlands knows that saudade hits hardest when you crave authentic bacalhau à Brás.

The good news? You can make restaurant-quality Bacalhau à Brás at home with authentic Portuguese ingredients – and we stock the premium products that make all the difference, delivered anywhere in the Netherlands.

👉 Get Premium Esporão Extra Virgin Olive Oil Here – Portugal's award-winning olive oil, rarely found in Netherlands!

Why This Recipe Works (And Why Premium Olive Oil is Essential)

Here's the truth: you absolutely cannot make authentic Bacalhau à Brás with cheap olive oil. This dish is simple – just cod, potatoes, eggs, onions, and olive oil – which means every ingredient must be exceptional. The olive oil is not just for cooking; it's the flavor foundation of the entire dish.

At Desapega, we stock Esporão Azeite Virgem Extra – one of Portugal's most awarded olive oils from the Alentejo region. And we have authentic Migas de Bacalhau (shredded cod) – the traditional preparation that makes this dish quick and easy.

Bacalhau à Brás Recipe (Serves 4-6)

Ingredients You'll Need:

Essential Ingredients (from Desapega):

Fresh Ingredients (Dutch Supermarkets):

  • 800g potatoes (preferably waxy potatoes like Charlotte)
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 6 large eggs, beaten
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Black olives (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cod (15 minutes if using Migas)

  1. Soak Migas de Bacalhau in cold water with bay leaves for 2-4 hours, changing water once
  2. Drain well and squeeze out excess water

Step 2: Make Batata Palha (Matchstick Potatoes) - 20 minutes

  1. Cut potatoes into very thin matchsticks (2-3mm thick), rinse and dry thoroughly
  2. Fry in Esporão olive oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics (10 minutes)

  1. Heat Esporão olive oil in a large pan, cook onions until soft and translucent (8-10 minutes)
  2. Add garlic and granulated garlic, cook 1-2 minutes

Step 4: Add the Cod (5 minutes)

  1. Add drained cod to onions, stir and cook 3-4 minutes. Season with pepper.

Step 5: Combine with Potatoes and Eggs (5 minutes — the critical moment)

  1. Add fried potato matchsticks, toss gently
  2. Remove from heat, immediately add beaten eggs
  3. Stir quickly and constantly — residual heat creates creamy texture, not scrambled eggs
  4. Drizzle with more Esporão olive oil

Step 6: Serve

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and black olives. Serve immediately.

Chef's Tips

  • Eggs too dry? You left it on the heat too long. Remove from heat BEFORE adding eggs.
  • Too salty? Soak the cod longer. Cod is naturally salty!
  • Not enough flavor? Use more premium olive oil — this dish needs generous amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Migas de Bacalhau and whole salted cod?
Migas are pre-shredded and require much less soaking time (2-4 hours vs 24-48 hours). Much more convenient! Read our full comparison (NL).

Where can I buy authentic Portuguese ingredients in Netherlands?
Right here at Desapega! We stock Esporão olive oil, bacalhau, and other Portuguese essentials.

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
Prep the cod and potatoes in advance, but combine with eggs just before serving for best texture.

Shop Authentic Portuguese Ingredients at Desapega

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Bom apetite! 🇵🇹

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