Introduction
Craving a quick and hearty meal packed with Caribbean flavors? Viandas con Bacalao is a traditional dish that brings together the earthy goodness of root vegetables (viandas) and the salty, flaky perfection of bacalao (salted cod).
This dish is not only easy to make in just 30 minutes but also a staple in many Latin and Caribbean households.
What makes it special?
- Simple, budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find.
- Fast preparation—a perfect meal when you’re short on time.
- A comforting, family-friendly dish packed with nutrients and flavor.
Fun fact: Did you know that viandas refers to a variety of tropical root vegetables like yuca, malanga, plantains, and yautía? These starchy wonders provide a satisfying texture and pair beautifully with the savory bacalao.
If you love dishes like mofongo or sancocho, you’ll definitely want to try viandas con bacalao. Ready to make a meal that tastes like home? Let’s get started!
What is Viandas con Bacalao?
Ever wondered why this dish has such a unique name? Viandas is a Spanish word referring to starchy root vegetables, common in Caribbean cuisine.
Bacalao, on the other hand, is salted and dried cod that is rehydrated and cooked to create delicious dishes.
This dish is a comfort food classic because it’s both nutritious and flavorful. Picture tender yuca, sweet plantains, and malanga soaking up the garlicky, tomato-infused bacalao sauce—pure bliss!
They say, “The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach,” and this dish is a perfect example of that. Serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Viandas con Bacalao
✅ Balanced Taste: The creamy viandas contrast beautifully with the salty bacalao and savory sauce.
✅ Budget-Friendly: More affordable than dining out and made with readily available ingredients.
✅ Easy to Customize: Try different viandas or add veggies like bell peppers for extra flavor.
If you’re a fan of comforting, hearty meals, this dish will become a new favorite!
How to Make Viandas con Bacalao
Quick Overview
This recipe is incredibly easy and only takes 30 minutes to prepare. It involves:
- Boiling viandas until fork-tender.
- Cooking bacalao with a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
- Combining everything for a perfectly balanced dish.
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bacalao (salted cod) | 1 lb | Soaked overnight & shredded |
| Yuca | 2 cups | Peeled and chopped |
| Green plantains | 1 large | Sliced |
| Malanga | 1 cup | Peeled and diced |
| Onion | 1 medium | Sliced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Tomato sauce | 1/2 cup | Adds depth of flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Bell pepper | 1/2 | Thinly sliced |
| Vinegar | 1 tbsp | Enhances the sauce |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Adjust as needed |
✅ Tip: To reduce the saltiness of bacalao, soak it overnight and rinse before cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bacalao: Rinse and soak the bacalao overnight. Boil for 10 minutes, drain, and shred.
- Boil the Viandas: In a large pot, boil yuca, plantains, and malanga for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers.
- Make the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, vinegar, and seasonings. Stir in the shredded bacalao and let simmer.
- Combine & Serve: Drain viandas and top with the bacalao mixture. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Viandas con Bacalao
🍽️ Best Side Dish: Avocado slices or a simple cabbage slaw complement the dish beautifully.
🥤 Perfect Drink Pairing: A cold glass of passionfruit juice or coconut water balances the flavors.
🌿 Extra Topping Ideas: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a drizzle of olive oil enhance the presentation and taste.
Top Tips for Perfecting Viandas con Bacalao
✔ Ingredient Swaps: No yuca? Try potatoes or sweet potatoes instead!
✔ Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t overboil the viandas—they should be tender, not mushy.
✔ Pro Tip: Sautéing the bacalao with onions and peppers enhances its flavor and reduces saltiness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Microwave for 2-3 minutes |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Thaw overnight, reheat at 350°F |
✅ Best Practice: Store viandas and bacalao separately to maintain texture.
Viandas con bacalao
Ingredients
- 300 g Bacalao (salted cod)
- 2 cups Yuca (cassava), peeled and chopped
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1-2 Plantains, peeled and sliced
- 1 small Onion, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacalao: Rinse and soak the bacalao overnight. Boil for 10 minutes, drain, and shred.
- Boil the Viandas: In a large pot, boil yuca, plantains, and malanga for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers.
- Make the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, vinegar, and seasonings. Stir in the shredded bacalao and let simmer.
- Combine & Serve: Drain viandas and top with the bacalao mixture. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the bacalao sauce in advance and reheat before serving.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use less salt and opt for baked viandas instead of boiled.
Can I use fresh cod instead of bacalao?
Absolutely! Just adjust the seasoning since fresh cod lacks salt.
What other viandas can I use?
You can try batata (Caribbean sweet potato) or breadfruit for variety.
Is this dish spicy?
Not traditionally, but you can add a touch of red pepper flakes for heat!
Can I add coconut milk?
Yes! It adds a rich, creamy depth to the sauce.
How do I reduce the saltiness of bacalao?
Soak it overnight, changing the water a couple of times.
What if I don’t have tomato sauce?
Use fresh diced tomatoes or tomato paste with a little water.
Can I make this vegan?
You can substitute bacalao with jackfruit or hearts of palm.
What’s the best way to serve this dish?
With a side of avocado and a drizzle of olive oil!
This viandas con bacalao recipe is a perfect blend of rich flavors and hearty textures. Give it a try and share your experience with us!
