Icelandic Cod Stew

Icelandic Cod Stew Recipe - Authentic & Delicious

Region / culture: Iceland | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Icelandic Cod Stew is a traditional dish that showcases the delicious flavors of fresh cod, creamy potatoes, and a rich Hollandaise sauce. This hearty stew is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold winter night, and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Cod has been a staple in Icelandic cuisine for centuries, as the country is surrounded by rich fishing waters. Cod stew is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by generations of Icelanders, and is often served as a comforting and nourishing meal during the long winter months.

Ingredients

36 oz (1.02 kg) cod fillets
3 tbsp butter
28 oz (794 g) skinned and boiled potatoes
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
1 – 2 cloves garlic (optional), finely chopped
0.5 qt (473 ml) milk
0.5 qt (473 ml) water
sauce thickener
salt and freshly ground white pepper
2 cups Sauce Hollandaise (see below)
approximately 4 tbsp parmesan cheese

Sauce Hollandaise

1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp water
3 egg yolks
salt and ground white pepper
6 oz (170 g) unsalted butter, diced small

How to prepare

Remove the skin and bones from the cod fillets.
Bring water to a boil, season with 0.5 tbsp of salt, place the cod fillets in the boiling water and cook for 4-5 minutes.
Remove the cod fillets from the heat and let them stand for another 5 minutes. Then, remove them from the water and keep them warm.
Save the water.
Melt the butter in a saucepan and sweat the onion and garlic in it.
Add the milk and half of the fish stock.
Bring the mixture to a boil and thicken it with the sauce thickener.
Crumble and dice the potatoes.
Blend the potatoes and add them to the sauce.
Season the mixture to taste with a generous amount of freshly ground white pepper.
Place the stew in an ovenproof plate, cover it with Sauce Hollandaise and sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese.
Place it under a very hot grill until golden and serve it hot with dark bread.

Sauce Hollandaise

Put the lemon juice, water, and the yolks in a pan or bowl over simmering - not boiling - water. Season to taste and whisk.
Add 1 cube of butter at a time and whisk until absorbed.
When all the butter has been used, remove it from the heat and whisk for 2 more minutes.
Return it to the heat and whisk again for 2 minutes.
Keep the sauce warm over barely simmering water.

Variations

For a lighter version of this dish, you can use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter in the recipe. You can also add in some vegetables such as carrots or peas for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When cooking the cod fillets, be sure not to overcook them as they can become tough and dry. The key is to cook them just until they are opaque and flake easily with a fork. Additionally, be sure to season the stew generously with white pepper to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Icelandic Cod Stew is best served hot with a side of dark bread for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Icelandic Cod Stew is to cook the cod fillets gently and not overcook them. Be sure to also thicken the sauce to your desired consistency before adding in the potatoes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find cod fillets, you can use any other white fish such as haddock or pollock. You can also substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stew ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Icelandic Cod Stew in individual bowls garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Icelandic Cod Stew pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Icelandic Cod Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Icelandic Cod Stew contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Icelandic Cod Stew contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Icelandic Cod Stew contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Icelandic Cod Stew contains approximately 40 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Icelandic Cod Stew is a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Icelandic Cod Stew is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Icelandic Cod Stew is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its creamy potatoes, tender cod fillets, and rich Hollandaise sauce, this stew is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Icelandic Cod Stew. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village by the sea. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had a close friend who was originally from Iceland. She had brought this recipe with her when she moved to our village, and my grandmother was eager to learn how to make it.

I remember the day my grandmother invited me to join her in the kitchen as she learned how to make the Icelandic Cod Stew. The ingredients were simple yet unique – fresh cod fillets, potatoes, onions, carrots, and a special blend of herbs and spices that gave the stew its distinct flavor. As my grandmother chopped and sautéed and simmered, I watched in awe as the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma.

Once the stew was finished cooking, my grandmother ladled it into bowls and we sat down at the table to enjoy our meal. The first spoonful of the stew was a revelation – the tender cod, the hearty vegetables, and the rich broth all came together in a harmonious blend of flavors that I had never experienced before. It was love at first bite.

From that day on, I was hooked on Icelandic Cod Stew. I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make it, and she happily obliged. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, making small adjustments here and there to suit my own tastes. I made it for my family, for my friends, and for anyone who would let me cook for them. And every time, it was met with rave reviews.

As I grew older and ventured out into the world, I took my love for Icelandic Cod Stew with me. I made it in college for my roommates, who had never tasted anything like it. I made it for my fiancé, who declared it his favorite meal. And I made it for my children, who now beg me to make it for them whenever they come home to visit.

I have since shared the recipe with countless people, passing down the tradition that was started by my grandmother all those years ago. Each time I make Icelandic Cod Stew, I am reminded of that day in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning how to make something so special and delicious. And each time I take that first spoonful, I am transported back to that moment of pure joy and discovery.

So here I am, many years later, still making Icelandic Cod Stew just as my grandmother taught me. And with each batch that I make, I feel her presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands and whispering words of encouragement. For this recipe is more than just a dish – it is a connection to my past, a link to my heritage, and a reminder of the love and joy that can be found in a simple bowl of stew. And for that, I am forever grateful.