Description
Ajoarriero Bliss is a traditional Spanish dish that transforms desalted cod into a flavorful and hearty feast. Featuring sautéed onions, garlic, roasted and fresh bell peppers, tomatoes, and optional potatoes, all enriched with paprika and olive oil, this recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg Desalted cod
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, roasted or fresh
- 1 medium Green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium Tomatoes, chopped
- 300 g Potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
Seasonings and Oils
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 teaspoon Sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Additional
- Cod skins, as needed (to make a pil pil sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: In a large pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent, releasing their sweetness and aroma.
- Add the Bell Peppers: Toss in the roasted red bell peppers and sliced green bell pepper. Stir together gently and allow the mixture to cook so the peppers infuse their sweetness into the dish.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook them until they soften and start releasing their juices, creating a rich base for the dish.
- Add the Cod: If using fresh cod, gently add it to the pan and cook until it flakes easily. If using desalted cod, fold it in after the vegetables have cooked through to preserve its delicate texture.
- Include the Potatoes (Optional): Add the diced potatoes if desired. Season the mixture with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked through.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Ajoarriero hot. Drizzle with pil pil sauce made from cod skins if you wish, adding a rich, traditional touch to the dish.
Notes
- Desalted cod is traditional and preferred for authentic flavor, but fresh cod can be used if desalted cod is unavailable.
- Roasting the red bell pepper beforehand adds a smoky depth to the dish.
- Potatoes are optional but add heartiness and texture variation to the meal.
- Pil pil sauce made from cod skins enhances the dish with extra flavor and richness.
- Adjust seasoning carefully to avoid over-salting, especially if using desalted cod.
