This dish is so easy to make and very delicious.
- Carbohydrate 7.2389 g
- Cholesterol 48.16 mg
- Fat 7.719875 g
- Fiber 1.93925004899502 g
- Protein 21.27555 g
- Saturated Fat 1.127305 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (250g)
- Sodium 211.6025 mg
- Sugar 5.29964995100498 g
- Trans Fat 0.484455 g
- Calories 183 calories
Step-by-step
- Rinse the Bacalao(fillets) to remove the excessive salt and tear into pieces.
- Place in saucepan and boil until tender and breaks apart with a fork.
- Drain and break the fillets into small pieces with a fork and set aside.
- In pan heat oil and saute onions and green peppers.
- Add tomatoes, fillets, sazon and tomato sauce.
- Add 1/2 cup of water and simmer covered over low heat until bubbly.
Using fresh cod instead of salt cod alters the moisture balance entirely; fresh fish releases water during the simmer rather than absorbing it, requiring you to reduce the added water by half to prevent a watery sauce. Salt cod demands thorough rinsing and initial boiling to leach out excess curing sodium before the fish can properly absorb the aromatics.
Sequencing the Stew
Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat to soften sliced onions and green peppers until translucent, taking roughly five minutes. Tomatoes and tomato sauce go in next, building a rich acidic base before the shredded fish and sazon packets are folded into the pan. Simmer the covered mixture over low heat for ten minutes to meld the flavors without overcooking the delicate protein flakes. Serve this savory stew alongside white rice or boiled starchy root vegetables like yuca to absorb the flavorful tomato broth.
- Excessively salty fish results from inadequate initial boiling; taste a small piece of the boiled cod before adding it to the sauce.
- Burning the bottom of the pan happens if the heat is too high during the final simmer; keep the burner on low and add tablespoons of water if the sauce thickens too quickly.
- Uneven chunks occur if the fish is torn while raw; shred the fillets only after they have boiled and cooled slightly.
