Bacalhau

Cod-based dishes are a Portuguese staple, and it is often suggested that there are more than one thousand recipes in which dried and salted cod is the star ingredient. This includes simple, everyday dishes, as well as more elaborate versions that are usually served on special occasions, including Christmas Eve and Good Friday.

Interestingly, cod is traditionally not caught off the Portuguese coast, but it became a prominent ingredient in the traditional cuisine during the exploration era because it could be stored for longer periods. Salted cod is primarily soaked in water, and later it can be used in a variety of ways, which include grilling, cooking, frying, or braising.

Some of the most popular salt cod dishes in Portugal include crispy bolinhos de bacalhau fritters, creamy bacalhau com natas, Lisbon's favorite bacalhau a bras, and a Christmas Eve staple bacalhau com todos.