Maria's Portuguese Bacalau

Ingredients

• 2 pounds dried salted cod
• 0.75 cups olive oil
• 0.5 cups chopped fresh parsley , divided
• 2 cloves garlic , chopped, divided
• 1.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 Yukons Gold potatoes
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 yellows onions , thinly sliced
• 10 pitteds green olives
• 10 pitteds black olives
• 4 hard-cooked eggs , chopped

Instructions

1. 1

   Soak dried salted cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water several times.

2. 2

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add soaked cod; boil until flakes easily with a fork, about 5 minutes. Transfer cod to a cutting board; save water for cooking potatoes. Remove cod skin and bones then flake the meat into pieces using a fork; set aside in a large bowl.

3. 3

   Whisk olive oil, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 clove garlic, pepper flakes, and black pepper together in a small bowl; pour over cod and lightly toss to coat.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x11-inch baking dish.

5. 5

   Place potatoes in reserved pot salt cod cooking water; bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain under cool water, peel, and cut into 1/4-inch slices.

6. 6

   While potatoes cook, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions; sauté until golden and caramelized. Stir in remaining 1 clove garlic; set aside.

7. 7

   Layer 1/2 of the potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish; cover with 1/2 of the cod, then 1/2 of the onions. Repeat layers, ending with onions.

8. 8

   Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Garnish with olives and hard-cooked eggs; sprinkle with remaining 7 tablespoons parsley.