This traditional Puerto Rican salted cod stew is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines a balance of protein, fiber, and good fats, making it a nutritious option for everyday meals.
The salted cod provides a rich source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and immune health, while the inclusion of potatoes and golden raisins contributes dietary fiber and natural sweetness for digestive support and sustained energy.
Olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, known to improve cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.
This recipe’s layered approach not only creates a complex depth of flavor but also makes it easy to prepare in one pot, ideal for busy cooks who want a satisfying, meal-prep-friendly dish.
The long soak for the cod fish removes excess salt and ensures tender bites, making the final stew comforting and well-balanced.
Served with rice or root vegetables, it offers a culturally rich, wholesome meal perfect for any day of the week.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Large Stockpot
Essential for layering ingredients and evenly simmering the stew. Its generous size allows for slow cooking, which develops flavors deeply while accommodating large family meals. Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for soups, stews, and boiling pasta.
Colander
Used to drain and rinse the salted cod after soaking, helping remove excess salt and impurities. A sturdy colander is a versatile kitchen staple for washing vegetables, draining pasta, and rinsing grains.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
Key for slicing thick potatoes, onions, eggs, and peppers with precision and safety. A high-quality chef’s knife improves efficiency and control, making food prep faster and more enjoyable.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Crucial for accurate measurement of tomato sauce, olive oil, wine, and spices to maintain recipe balance. Precise measuring tools ensure consistent cooking results and are invaluable for baking and other recipes.
Wooden Spoon
Ideal for gentle stirring during simmering without damaging the pot or altering the layered ingredients’ texture. Wooden spoons are gentle on cookware and versatile for stirring, mixing, and sautéing.
Basque-Style Fish Stew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Salted Cod: Begin by soaking the salted codfish in approximately 2 quarts of cold water. Change the water every two to three hours for a total of 8 hours to gradually remove the excess salt and soften the fish. After soaking, drain the cod and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the First Layer: In a large pot, create the first layer by placing half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Follow with half of the cod pieces, then layer half of the sliced onions, and then half of the sliced hard-boiled eggs. Sprinkle half of the capers and minced garlic evenly over the top. Add half of the green olives and roasted red peppers. Finish this layer with half of the golden raisins, then gently place the bay leaf on top.
- Add Sauces and Oil: Pour half of the tomato sauce and half of the olive oil over this layered mixture, allowing the liquids to seep through the layers for rich flavor infusion.
- Repeat the Layering: Repeat the exact layering sequence with the remaining potatoes, cod, onions, eggs, capers, garlic, olives, roasted peppers, and raisins—this time without adding a bay leaf.
- Add Liquids and Cook: Carefully pour the water and white wine over the layers, ensuring you do not stir or disturb the arrangement. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Simmer to Perfection: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the stew simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender and all flavors meld together beautifully.
Notes
- The key to tender, flavorful cod is the long soaking process, which removes excess salt and helps soften the fish for a better texture in the stew.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or boiled root vegetables such as yucca or green bananas for a traditional Puerto Rican meal.
- For extra richness, drizzle some additional olive oil over each serving and add a fresh slice of avocado on the side.
- Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a small amount of finely chopped fresh chili or hot sauce during layering.
Chef’s Secrets for Authentic Flavor
Achieving the perfect balance of flavors in this Puerto Rican salted cod stew lies in a few key techniques.
First, the prolonged soaking of the salted cod is essential—not only to remove excess salt but also to soften the fish for a tender texture that melds seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Change the soaking water multiple times to ensure the right seasoning level.
When layering, resist the urge to stir; this careful layering allows each ingredient to maintain its unique taste while slowly marrying into a harmonious whole during simmering.
Using good-quality extra virgin olive oil enriches the stew with a fruity, robust undertone, enhancing the overall depth.
Finally, low and slow cooking is crucial—maintain a gentle simmer to ensure potatoes become tender without breaking apart and to allow the raisins to plump up, adding bursts of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
This hearty cod stew shines when paired with traditional sides that complement its rich flavors.
Serving it alongside fluffy white rice is a classic choice, helping soak up the savory tomato sauce and creating a satisfying meal.
For a more authentic touch, consider boiled root vegetables such as yucca, yautía, or ñame, which add earthiness and texture contrast.
A fresh avocado slice on the side not only adds creaminess but also balances the saltiness of the cod with its mellow flavor.
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, drizzle extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving to give the dish a glossy finish and a burst of freshness.
For an unexpected twist, try it with Puerto Rican funche (a type of cornmeal polenta) to introduce a creamy, comforting element.
Storage Tips for Lasting Freshness
Proper storage will keep your cod stew fresh and flavorful for several days.
After the stew cools to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately.
It will stay good for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
If you want to store it longer, this stew freezes well—portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may dry out the potatoes and eggs. Always ensure the stew is heated thoroughly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly
Q1: Can I use fresh cod instead of salted cod?
Salted cod provides the signature salty flavor and texture essential to this recipe. Using fresh cod will change the taste and requires adding salt and adjustments. If using fresh, season lightly and reduce added salt elsewhere.
Q2: How do I remove the salt from the cod properly?
Soak the salted cod in cold water for at least 8 hours, changing the water every 2–3 hours. This process draws out excess salt, ensuring the stew is not overwhelmingly salty.
Q3: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! The stew tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Q4: Are there vegetarian alternatives to salted cod?
While the flavor is unique to salted cod, you can try smoked or marinated tofu for a vegetarian twist, but the dish will have a different taste and texture.
Q5: What can I serve alongside this stew?
Traditional sides include white rice, boiled root vegetables, or funche. Avocado slices or a light salad can add freshness and balance the richness of the stew.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by allrecipes. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.