1-Pan Potato Bacalao Stew

Featured in: Weekend Favorite Recipes

This hearty Mediterranean dish combines tender waxy potatoes with flaky salt cod gently simmered alongside onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Seasoned with smoked paprika and fresh parsley, all ingredients cook together in a single pan to meld flavors beautifully. The result is a comforting, rustic meal that is simple to prepare yet rich in taste. Ideal for those seeking a nourishing, dairy-free option that showcases fresh seafood and vibrant vegetables.

Updated on Thu, 27 Nov 2025 18:17:00 GMT
One-Pan Potato and Bacalao Stew: a bubbling skillet filled with tender potatoes and flaky cod. Save to Pinterest
One-Pan Potato and Bacalao Stew: a bubbling skillet filled with tender potatoes and flaky cod. | nibbro.com

A hearty rustic stew featuring tender potatoes flaky salt cod and aromatic vegetables simmered together in a single pan a comforting and affordable way to enjoy seafood

This recipe brings back memories of cozy family dinners where everyone gathered around the table to enjoy the warmth and flavors of the Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • Salt Cod Preparation: 400 g (14 oz) salt cod (bacalao) soaked and rinsed
  • Vegetables: 600 g (1.3 lbs) waxy potatoes peeled and cut into 2 cm chunks 1 large onion finely sliced 2 garlic cloves minced 1 large red bell pepper diced 2 medium tomatoes chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
  • Liquids & Seasoning: 750 ml (3 cups) fish stock or water 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil 1 bay leaf 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish) Salt as needed

Instructions

Step 1:
Soak the salt cod in cold water for 24 hours changing the water 2 3 times to remove excess salt Drain and pat dry Cut into large bite sized pieces
Step 2:
Heat olive oil in a large deep pan over medium heat Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened
Step 3:
Add garlic and smoked paprika cook for 1 minute until fragrant
Step 4:
Stir in potatoes and bell pepper cook for 2 3 minutes stirring occasionally
Step 5:
Add tomatoes bay leaf and black pepper Stir well
Step 6:
Pour in fish stock or water Bring to a gentle simmer cover and cook for 15 minutes
Step 7:
Gently add the soaked salt cod pieces to the pan nestling them among the potatoes
Step 8:
Cover and simmer for another 15 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cod flakes easily
Step 9:
Taste and adjust salt if needed (the cod may be salty enough)
Step 10:
Remove bay leaf garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot
Enjoy flavorful 1-Pan Potato and Bacalao Stew, a Mediterranean classic with fresh parsley garnish. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy flavorful 1-Pan Potato and Bacalao Stew, a Mediterranean classic with fresh parsley garnish. | nibbro.com

This stew always brings my family together creating unforgettable moments and full satisfied bellies

Notes

For a richer flavor add a pinch of saffron or a splash of dry white wine Swap fresh tomatoes for canned in winter months Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth For a spicier stew add a pinch of chili flakes with the garlic

Required Tools

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven Chefs knife Chopping board Ladle

Allergen Information

Contains fish cod Prepared as dairy free and nut free but always double check ingredient labels for cross contamination

Savor the aroma of this 1-Pan Potato and Bacalao Stew, with rustic vegetables and salt cod pieces. Save to Pinterest
Savor the aroma of this 1-Pan Potato and Bacalao Stew, with rustic vegetables and salt cod pieces. | nibbro.com

This stew is perfect for a cozy dinner any day of the week

Recipe FAQs

How should salt cod be prepared before cooking?

Salt cod needs soaking in cold water for 24 hours with water changes to remove excess salt, then it should be drained, dried, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Waxy potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well during simmering, providing a tender texture without falling apart.

Can fish stock be substituted?

Yes, water can be used as a substitute if fish stock is unavailable, though stock adds more depth to the flavor.

How is the dish seasoned to enhance flavor?

Smoked paprika, bay leaf, and fresh parsley give this dish its aromatic and slightly smoky profile, complementing the natural seafood taste.

What is the recommended cooking vessel?

A large deep skillet or Dutch oven is best to ensure even cooking and enough depth for simmering all ingredients together.

Can this dish be made spicier?

Adding a pinch of chili flakes with the garlic during cooking introduces a subtle heat to enhance the overall flavor.

1-Pan Potato Bacalao Stew

Tender potatoes and flaky salt cod simmered with aromatic vegetables in one pan for a rustic meal.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Duration
65 minutes
Created by Evan Brooks


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Mediterranean

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Salt Cod Preparation

01 14 oz salt cod (bacalao), soaked and rinsed

Vegetables

01 1.3 lbs waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into 0.8 inch chunks
02 1 large onion, finely sliced
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 large red bell pepper, diced
05 2 medium tomatoes, chopped or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes

Liquids & Seasoning

01 3 cups fish stock or water
02 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
03 1 bay leaf
04 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
06 Salt, to taste
07 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare Salt Cod: Soak salt cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing water 2 to 3 times to remove excess salt. Drain, pat dry, and cut into large bite-sized pieces.

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook 5 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Add Garlic and Spices: Add minced garlic and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Incorporate Potatoes and Bell Pepper: Stir in potatoes and diced bell pepper; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, and black pepper, stirring to combine.

Step 06

Simmer with Stock: Pour fish stock or water into the pan. Bring to gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 07

Add Salt Cod: Gently nestle soaked salt cod pieces among potatoes in the pan.

Step 08

Continue Simmering: Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cod easily flakes.

Step 09

Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste and adjust salt as needed. Remove bay leaf and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Chopping board
  • Ladle

Allergy Info

For allergen concerns, review each food item and check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains fish (cod).

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutritional values are for reference and aren't a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Kcal: 340
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 24 g