Bacalhau is the Portuguese word for cod, specifically dried and salted cod. In Portugal some say there are more than 365 ways to cook bacalhau, one for every day of the year; others say there are 1,001 ways. However you look at it, bacalhau is an iconic and ubiquitous ingredient of Portuguese cuisine. It was once a cheap ingredient…… Continue reading bolinhos de bacalhau
Category: fish & seafood
grilled whole squid
A simple recipe to keep whole squid moist and tender. Because squid tentacles cook much faster than the body, here’s a little trick we learned on our travels to the Iberian Peninsula. If you stuff the tentacles into the body they take longer to cook and remain juicy and tender. Make sure to clean the…… Continue reading grilled whole squid
octopus 2
A traditional Greek style octopus recipe. Simple and super tasty. Serve with some crusty bread and a fresh salad. Place 450g (1 lb) of octopus tentacles in a saucepan with 1½ tablespoons of red wine vinegar, ¼ of a cup of dry white wine and a bay leaf. Cook for 40-60 minutes over low heat with the…… Continue reading octopus 2
baked whole fish
A Greek-style baked fish that’s light, fresh and simple to prepare. David cooked it following this Mark Bittman recipe. Preheat your oven 230ºC (450ºF). In a bowl combine 2 cups of chopped tomatoes (or halved cherry tomatoes) with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh chilli, 1 tablespoon…… Continue reading baked whole fish
fish pie
A delicious fish pie cooked by Thomas. Perfectly cooked fish and seafood topped with an excellent creamy mash. What’s not to like? Make the mash first. Peel 1kg (2.2 lbs) of starchy potatoes and cut them into 5cm (2″) dice. Place them in a pan, cover with cold water and bring to boil. Cook for…… Continue reading fish pie
lemongrass and coconut mussels
Mussels are such a quick meal and so delicious – why not cook them midweek? This delcious recipe, from Melissa Clark for New York Times Cooking, has a definite Thai influence. First wash and de-beard 1kg (2 lbs) of mussels. Finely chop 1 shallot, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 small hot chilli and the white…… Continue reading lemongrass and coconut mussels
marinated octopus
Having recently bought some marinated octopus from a deli, I was inspired to make it myself. The results didn’t disappoint. A perfect consistency – tender but not too soft – and a simple but delicious Greek style marinade. Slightly adapted from a recipe by Nancy Gaifyllia for Spruce Eats. I had just one tentacle to…… Continue reading marinated octopus
tortilla de bacalao
You may be familiar with the ubiquitous Spanish tortilla, a delicious potato (and often onion) omelette served as a tapa throughout the country. This tortilla is made instead with bacalao, or salt cod, a popular ingredient on the Iberian peninsula. I served mine with fried potatoes, green bean salad and marinated tomatoes. Whether you buy…… Continue reading tortilla de bacalao
steamed whole fish with ginger
This delectable and surprisingly simple Cantonese dish is usually served on special occasions as part of a banquet or for a family gathering. Thomas cooked this using a 650g (1½ lb) snapper but sea bass, coral trout or flounder will work well too. The steaming of the fish is simple. Make sure the fish is…… Continue reading steamed whole fish with ginger
almond crusted fish with prunes
Moroccan savoury dishes often include fruit. This recipe, from the cookbook The food of morocco by Tess Mallos, features prunes stuffed with almonds. To feed four, you will need 900g (2 lbs) of fish fillets. I used ling but any firm white fish will work. Salt the fish and set it aside in the fridge.…… Continue reading almond crusted fish with prunes
michelle picker cooks 