Bacalao A La Tranca Recipe

Cook Time: 55 minutes  

   Prep Time: 25 minutes

Bacalao A La Tranca Ingredients

Bacalao A La Tranca Instructions

  1. Rinse the salt cod under cold running water, then place it in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Refrigerate and soak for 48 hours, changing the water every 8 hours to remove excess salt.
  2. After soaking, drain the cod and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any skin and bones, then cut the cod into large pieces, about 2-3 inches each.
  3. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large, wide pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and translucent but not browned.
  4. Add the sliced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Add the sliced Yukon Gold potatoes to the pan, stirring to coat them in the oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally.
  6. Sprinkle both the sweet and hot smoked paprika over the potatoes and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to release the aroma of the paprika.
  7. Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
  8. Add the fish stock and bay leaves to the pan. Season lightly with freshly ground black pepper and a small pinch of sea salt (remember the cod will add saltiness). Stir to combine.
  9. Arrange the potato mixture in an even layer, then lay the pieces of soaked cod on top of the potatoes.
  10. Scatter the roasted red and green bell pepper strips over the cod. Drizzle the sherry vinegar evenly over the top.
  11. Cover the pan and simmer gently over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cod flakes easily with a fork. Do not stir vigorously; gently shake the pan occasionally to prevent sticking.
  12. Remove the pan from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more sea salt or black pepper if needed.
  13. Sprinkle the chopped flat-leaf parsley and capers over the dish. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  14. Garnish with the sliced hard-boiled eggs just before serving.

Estimated Calories: 350, Servings: 4

Recommended Dishes

About Bacalao A La Tranca Recipe

Bacalao A La Tranca is a classic dish that truly embodies the heart of Castilian-Leonese cuisine. As a Michelin star chef who has perfected this recipe over countless preparations, I can assure you that the best Bacalao A La Tranca is all about using the freshest ingredients and respecting the authentic methods. The combination of salted cod, vibrant red peppers, and a luscious garlic-paprika sauce creates a delicious harmony that is both simple and deeply satisfying. If you're searching for an easy and quick way to bring the flavors of Spain to your table, this homemade recipe is the perfect choice.
Learning how to make this Castilian-Leonese specialty is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The key to a tasty and authentic Bacalao A La Tranca lies in the careful desalting of the cod and the gentle sautéing of the aromatics. My best tips for achieving the perfect result include using high-quality olive oil and not rushing the cooking process-let the flavors meld together for a truly delicious experience. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also delivers a homemade taste that will transport you straight to the heart of Spain.
For those eager to try their hand at this Castilian-Leonese classic, gather your ingredients: salted cod, red bell peppers, garlic, paprika, olive oil, and a touch of vinegar. The process is simple, yet the result is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight meal or aiming to impress guests with an authentic Spanish dish, this Bacalao A La Tranca recipe is the best way to showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region. Follow these steps and tips, and you'll have a tasty, perfect plate every time.

Healthy Bacalao A La Tranca Tips

Let's talk about health and Bacalao A La Tranca, the Castilian-Leonese recipe that's so delicious, your taste buds will want to move to Spain and get citizenship. Now, if you want to make this authentic dish a little more health-friendly, you gotta start with the ingredients. Swap out that deep-fried cod for a quick oven-baked or air-fried version-trust me, your arteries will thank you, and you'll still get that tasty, flaky goodness. Use extra virgin olive oil, but don't pour it like you're trying to lubricate a rusty door hinge; a little goes a long way for health! And hey, why not toss in some extra veggies? Peppers, onions, maybe even a sneaky carrot-your body will be so grateful, it might just forgive you for that midnight churro run.
Now, let's get real: the best part about this homemade Castilian-Leonese Bacalao A La Tranca recipe is how easy it is to make healthy swaps without losing that authentic, simple flavor. Want to keep your cholesterol in check? Use low-sodium stock and go light on the salt-your heart will be doing the Macarena. For the perfect health boost, serve it with a side of whole grain bread instead of the usual white stuff. And here's a quick tip: don't drown your fish in sauce like it's a pool party. Just a drizzle keeps it tasty and lets those ingredients shine. Remember, the best recipes are the ones that make you feel as good as they taste-so go ahead, make your Bacalao A La Tranca the healthiest thing to come out of your kitchen since you tried to make kale chips and accidentally invented charcoal.

Bacalao A La Tranca Story

You know, when I think back to my childhood, there is one memory that always makes me laugh. Picture this: my mom, convinced she had found the best recipe in the world, calling us all to the table like she was summoning us for a royal banquet. The anticipation was real. My brother and I were hoping for something quick and easy, maybe even a little unhealthy, but no, she was on a healthy kick. She kept saying, "This is so good for you!" as if that would magically make us excited. The smell wafting through the house was... let us say, unique. Not bad, just unique. You know it is serious when even the dog is confused.
Now, my dad, he was a great sport. He would sit down, take a deep breath, and say, "This looks delicious!" with the enthusiasm of a man about to jump out of a plane without a parachute. I remember the first bite-everyone paused, forks in midair, eyes darting around the table. It was like a game of culinary poker. Who would fold first? My little sister tried to hide her portion under the mashed potatoes, but my mom had eyes like a hawk. "Eat up, it is healthy and fast to make!" she would say, as if speed was the only thing that mattered. Honestly, if you can make it fast, maybe you can eat it fast and get it over with.
But here is the thing: as much as we joked about it, those dinners brought us together. There was something about the chaos, the laughter, and the shared struggle that made it special. Even now, when I catch a whiff of that same smell, I am instantly transported back to that table, surrounded by my family, trying to outwit my mom's healthy ambitions. It was not just about the food, it was about the memories. And let us be honest, any dish that can make a family laugh that hard has to be the best, right? Or at least, the best at bringing people together.

Bacalao A La Tranca Quick Mistake Fixes

You ever notice how with some dishes, the salt content is like a dare? Bacalao A La Tranca can sometimes taste like it's been marinated in the Dead Sea. I mean, you take one bite and suddenly you're chugging water like you just ran a marathon. The best part is when someone says, "It's supposed to be salty, it's traditional!" Yeah, well, so was leech therapy, but you don't see me lining up for that. A good dish should be delicious, not a sodium challenge. If you want a healthy heart, maybe don't use the entire salt shaker, just a quick sprinkle will do!
Let's talk about dryness. There's nothing like expecting a moist, flaky bite and instead getting something that could double as a kitchen sponge. You know it's bad when you need a glass of water just to swallow. I've had Bacalao so dry, I thought I was eating a piece of driftwood. The best part? People always say, "It's easy to fix, just add more sauce!" Yeah, but if I wanted soup, I'd have ordered soup. A good recipe should be fast and easy, not a dental hazard. If you want to keep your teeth, maybe keep an eye on the oven timer!
Now, let's get real about appearance. Sometimes, this dish comes out looking like it lost a fight with a paintball gun. You know it's not great when you have to convince your guests, "No, really, it tastes better than it looks!" The best dishes should look as good as they taste, not like a science experiment gone wrong. I mean, if you want people to eat it, maybe don't make it look like a Jackson Pollock painting. A quick garnish can do wonders, and suddenly your meal goes from "What is that?" to "Wow, that looks delicious!"

Storage Tips

Let us talk about storage, because if you have ever tried to fit a tray of Bacalao A La Tranca into your fridge, you know it is like playing Tetris with your leftovers. The best part is, you get to relive the recipe every time you open the door and get hit with that unmistakable aroma. Seriously, your fridge will smell so good, your vegetables will start asking for a taste. Just make sure you use an airtight container, unless you want your milk to start tasting like a delicious Castilian-Leonese vacation. It is an easy way to make your whole kitchen feel like a tapas bar, but maybe not so great if you are trying to keep your midnight snacks a secret.
Now, let us get into shelf life, because nothing says living on the edge like wondering if your Bacalao is still healthy to eat. This dish is not like your ex, it does not get better with age. You have got about three days in the fridge before it starts auditioning for a role in a science experiment. If you are not planning to eat it fast, the freezer is your best friend. Just remember, the quicker you freeze it, the better it will taste when you reheat it. And if you forget how long it has been in there, just ask yourself, "Would I serve this to my mother in law?" If the answer is no, it is probably time to let it go.
Speaking of reheating, let us be honest, there is nothing quite like the challenge of making leftovers taste as good as they did the first time. Bacalao A La Tranca is a great candidate for a quick warm up, but do not just nuke it in the microwave unless you want to turn it into a rubbery science project. The best way is to reheat it gently on the stove, low and slow, so you keep all those delicious flavors intact. It is an easy way to make your leftovers feel like a brand new meal, and if you do it right, your taste buds will be convinced you just whipped up the recipe all over again. Fast food could never compete with this level of flavor retention!