Does your family cook particular foods on the day before Christmas? Cod became a popular Christmas Eve meal in Portugal during the 16th century. Fasting from certain foods before Christmas was a tradition in the Catholic Church at the time. As fish was not culturally considered meat, cod was an inexpensive replacement that was accessible to most people. If you like cod—as the Portuguese often do—this Christmas cod recipe could become a favorite addition to your table.
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Ingredients
- 5 thick slices of salted cod
- 2 kilograms (4½ pounds) potatoes
- 2 bunches collard greens
- 4 eggs
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 deciliters (1 1/4 cups) olive oil
- Salt to taste
- White vinegar to taste
Directions
Cooking the cod:
- Soak the cod in water the night before. For a less salty cod, change the water 2 or 3 times during the soaking period.
- Peel and cut the potatoes. Medium potatoes should be cut in half, and large potatoes should be cut in quarters. Select and wash the collard green leaves.
- Fill a pot with salted water, and add the cod, the potatoes, and the eggs. Add the collard greens when the water starts boiling.
Making the sauce:
- Sauté the olive oil and garlic in a saucepan. Add vinegar to taste, and keep the sauce warm.
- Place all cooked ingredients on a platter, and serve immediately, with the sauce on the side.
Check out more Christmas recipes from across Europe!
