Portugal By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Portugal: Bacalhau com Espinafres (Recipe)

Bacalhau com espinafres with flaked cod and sautéed spinach

In this article

Say hello to Bacalhau com Espinafres, a wonderfully simple Portuguese classic that brings together flaky cod and fresh, gently bitter spinach. It is savoury and refreshing all at once, quick enough for a busy weeknight yet elegant enough for a special occasion. With a glug of good olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, this dish carries a real taste of Portugal’s coast straight to your own kitchen.

About Bacalhau com Espinafres

Bacalhau com Espinafres is a classic Portuguese dish that pairs the delicious flavour of cod with fresh, slightly bitter spinach. It is not only a treat for the palate but also a small piece of Portuguese culture. The marriage of fish and vegetables draws together a whole range of flavours that are both hearty and refreshing. On top of that, it is a quick and uncomplicated dish, equally well suited to a relaxed family meal or a more special occasion.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

400 g cod (soaked and drained)
200 g fresh spinach
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
A squeeze of lemon juice

Shopping for the ingredients

To make the best Bacalhau com Espinafres, it is well worth choosing good-quality ingredients. Visit your local fishmonger or a well-stocked supermarket counter to track down fresh cod. Make sure the fish looks bright and smells pleasantly of the sea. For the spinach, go for fresh, crisp leaves that show no signs of wilting or browning, so your finished dish tastes and looks its very best.

Preparing the dish

Preparing Bacalhau com Espinafres is straightforward and does not take much time at all. Begin by cleaning the cod thoroughly and cutting it into pieces if needed. Wash the spinach carefully and pull away any tough stalks. Then peel and finely chop the onion and the garlic, so they can release all their aroma during cooking. A tidy work surface keeps the whole process calm and easy.

Step-by-step instructions

Heat a little olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until golden.
Add the cod and fry on both sides for about 4–5 minutes, until cooked through and lightly crisp.
Stir in the spinach and let it wilt down for 2–3 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice, then serve hot.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Bacalhau com Espinafres is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, since it contains no gluten-based or dairy ingredients. That makes it an excellent choice for anyone with those intolerances. Just take care to use gluten-free and lactose-free products for any side dishes or sauces you plan to serve alongside, so the whole meal stays entirely suitable. A simple plate of crusty gluten-free bread rounds it off nicely.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

To make this dish vegan or vegetarian, you could swap the cod for a plant-based protein such as tofu, or a combination of chickpeas and mushrooms. These bring their own interesting texture and flavour to the pan. It also helps to play around with spices and herbs to give the dish more depth, much as you would when building a hearty bowl of Favas à Portuguesa. A splash of vegetable stock is another great way to intensify the flavour.

More tips and tricks

There are plenty of ways to make Bacalhau com Espinafres even tastier! You might add pine nuts or raisins, for instance, which give the dish a surprising and delicious twist. Another option is to experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika or fresh herbs. Serving it with fresh bread or over a bed of rice also rounds the meal off beautifully.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

The lovely thing about Bacalhau com Espinafres is how easily the recipe bends to suit your own preferences. If you fancy a different vegetable, you can use broccoli or courgette instead of spinach. You can also try other types of fish, such as salmon or halibut. These little adjustments make the recipe even more versatile and appealing for every palate.

Ingredient substitutions

If you struggle to find the main ingredients for Bacalhau com Espinafres, there are plenty of alternatives. In place of fresh cod, frozen cod works just as well. For the spinach, you can reach for chard or kale, which lend the dish a slightly different note — the same kind of swap that works in a comforting Grão com Bacalhau. When it comes to seasoning, there are no limits to your imagination; try garlic powder or onion powder as a stand-in.

Drink pairing ideas

Choosing the right drink can lift the whole Bacalhau com Espinafres experience. A classic Portuguese Vinho Verde, a light, slightly sparkling white wine, pairs wonderfully with this dish. A fresh spritz or a chilled rosé would also support the flavours nicely. For an alcohol-free option, consider a lemon-flavoured sparkling water or a freshly made fruit juice. For something warmer afterwards, a cup of spiced Vinho Quente com Especiarias is a cosy finish.

Serving and presentation ideas

To present Bacalhau com Espinafres attractively, pay a little attention to how you serve it. Use a large, shallow dish to really show off the colours of the food. Decorate the plate with fresh herbs or lemon slices for an inviting look. Add a few slices of crusty bread on the side to complete the picture and create a welcoming spread.

A bit of history

Bacalhau, or cod, has been a staple of Portuguese cooking for hundreds of years. Bacalhau com Espinafres represents a meeting of Portugal’s maritime tradition with Mediterranean eating habits. The story goes that the Portuguese took to cod in the 15th century and helped popularise it across southern European kitchens. This dish brings together both the history and the inventive spirit of Portuguese cuisine, reflecting the culture of the country itself, just like the beloved Bolinhos de Bacalhau.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Bacalhau com Espinafres

In short, Bacalhau com Espinafres is a simple yet flavourful dish that brings together the very best of cod and spinach. With its quick preparation and the freedom to adapt the recipe as you please, it is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it for a festive dinner or a straightforward family meal, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the rich variety of Portuguese cooking from the comfort of your own home!