Stewed Cod with Potatoes

Name: Stewed Cod with Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Desalted cod 2.7 lbs; Potatoes 0.9 lb; Peeled tomatoes 1.67 cups; Onions 1; Garlic 2; Fresh chili pepper 1; White wine 0.7 cup; Rosemary 1 sprig; Bay leaves 1 leaf; Parsley to taste; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

it de es fr br

Gluten Free
Lactose Free

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Average

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Sebastian Fitarau

Stewed cod with potatoes—you gotta try it—is that beloved dish you’ll see on family tables across Central and Southern Italy, especially during the holidays. It features baccalà, which is salted cod soaked before cooking, and then slowly simmered with chunks of potatoes and a rich, tender tomato sauce. The result? Seriously good. A rustic, moist dish bursting with classic Italian flavors. Plus, in places like Naples or Livorno, you might notice some local twists—some add capers or olives, others might toss in extra herbs for a tangy sauce.

Whether you call it cod and potato stew or use names like 'Baccalà alla ghiotta' or 'Baccalà alla livornese,' it’s all about comfort food. Honestly, everyone gets excited for this, especially around Christmas Eve. This cod stew recipe often serves as a festive centerpiece—bringing families together in a warm, relaxed way.

The potatoes? They soak up all the flavors from the sauce and fish, making each bite soft and satisfying. Perfect for doing the 'scarpetta' move—mopping up the sauce with bread. People love how this traditional cod stew is hearty yet doesn’t feel too heavy. It's got that Mediterranean vibe. You know, simple and fresh ingredients that just work. Even those not big on seafood often find this seafood stew really really tasty because it’s mild yet rich. The aroma fills the house with a golden, homey smell, and even though it’s easy enough for a weeknight, it always feels special. This dish—I'm telling you—has remained a favorite for generations. When you taste it, you’ll understand why. Nothing beats the classic combo of soft potatoes and flaky cod in a tomatoey sauce, making it a true staple of Italian festive cooking. Can't go wrong with this one.

How to prepare Stewed Cod with Potatoes

To prepare stewed cod with potatoes, first clean the onion and chop it finely 1, then slit the chili pepper lengthwise 2. In a saucepan, heat a splash of oil with the chili pepper and crushed garlic cloves, then add the chopped onion 3 and sauté for a few minutes.

When the onion becomes translucent, add the peeled tomatoes, crushing them with your hands 4, and cook over low heat for about ten minutes 5. Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into 0.4-inch slices 6.

When the sauce has thickened, add the potatoes 7 and mix well, then deglaze with the white wine 8. Allow it to completely evaporate, season with salt 9, and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, still on low heat.

In the meantime, cut the cod fillet into pieces 10, after removing the skin and any bones. After 10 minutes, add the rosemary and bay leaf 11, then place the pieces of cod inside 12.