The vigil stew is the most emblematic dish of Spanish Holy Week. The combination of chickpeas, desalted cod and spinach creates an incredibly nutritious and filling legume and fish stew. This dish has centuries of tradition and is a perfect example of the wisdom of popular cuisine.
Mediterranean
Wake-up stew with cod and spinach
Wake stew with chickpeas, desalted cod and spinach. Spanish Easter recipe, nutritious and comforting.
- Spain
- Main course
- Light
- High protein
- Low fat
- High fiber
- Low sugar
- medium
20 min
Tiempo de Preparación
6
Servings
Nutrición por ración
- Calories 380 kcal
- Protein 30 g
- Fiber 10 g
- Carbohydrates 40 g
- Fat 9 g
- Sodium 580 mg
Story behind the dish
Preparation
Vigil stew with cod and spinach is a preparation from Spain with medium difficulty. Reserve about 80 minutes in total (20 for mise en place and preparation, 60 for cooking). Follow the 7 phases in order: each step indicates what to do, what to observe and, when applicable, the time or level of fire.
Before you start
- Have ready: 400 g of soaked chickpeas.
- Have ready: 400 g of desalted cod in pieces.
- Have ready: 400 g of spinach.
- Have ready: 2 chopped onions.
- Have ready: 4 cloves of garlic.
- Salt, oil and spices measured and within reach.
- Clean utensils, board and clear work surface.
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Cook the chickpeas in water with bay leaf and salt for 45 minutes in a pot at...
Cook the chickpeas in water with bay leaf and salt for 45 minutes in a pressure cooker (or 90 minutes in a saucepan). Taste before serving: the balance between salt, acidity and fat defines the final result.
Taste before serving: the balance between salt, acidity and fat defines the final result.
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Sauté onion and garlic in oil for 10 minutes; add the tomato and cook 8 min
Sauté onion and garlic in oil for 10 minutes; add the tomato and cook 8 min. Stir frequently so it doesn't stick. The objective is to concentrate aromas, not to accelerate with excessive heat.
Stir frequently so it doesn't stick. The objective is to concentrate aromas, not to accelerate with excessive heat.
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Add the paprika
Add the paprika, saffron and cumin; stir 1 min. Respect the instructions to stir or not: in rice and stews it marks the final texture.
Respect the instructions to stir or not: in rice and stews it marks the final texture.
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Add the sauce to the chickpeas with part of the broth
Add the sauce to the chickpeas with part of the broth. Stir frequently so it doesn't stick. The objective is to concentrate aromas, not to accelerate with excessive heat.
Stir frequently so it doesn't stick. The objective is to concentrate aromas, not to accelerate with excessive heat.
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Add the desalted cod and cook for 10 min.
Add the desalted cod and cook 10 min. Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step.
Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step.
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Add the spinach and cook for 5 more minutes.
Add the spinach and cook for 5 more minutes. Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step.
Go slowly and confirm texture, aroma and color before moving to the next step.
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Adjust salt; served with village bread
Adjust salt; served with village bread. Serve on a preheated plate or platter if the dish must maintain temperature.
Serve on a preheated plate or platter if the dish must maintain temperature.
Chef's tips
- Don't overcrowd the pan: the oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Serve immediately after resting: the temperature contrast enhances aroma and texture.
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