Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of the Dominican Republic with our Bacalao Guisado, a tantalizing dish that embodies the essence of Caribbean cuisine. This traditional recipe features succulent pieces of salted cod simmered in a fragrant medley of tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and aromatic spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, our Bacalao Guisado offers a symphony of flavors, from the subtle brininess of the cod to the vibrant blend of herbs and spices. Served alongside fluffy white rice or crispy tostones, it's a dish that promises to transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Dominican Republic. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Caribbean with every delicious bite of our Bacalao Guisado.

Here's a recipe for Dominican Republic Bacalao Guisado:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salted codfish (bacalao), soaked overnight in water to remove excess salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 bell peppers (green and red), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup water or fish broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (coriander), for garnish
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

1- After soaking the salted codfish overnight, drain the water and rinse the fish thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels and cut the codfish into small pieces. Set aside.

2- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

3- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4- Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, paprika, black pepper, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.

5- Add the salted codfish pieces to the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the vegetable mixture.

6- Pour in the tomato sauce and water (or fish broth) into the skillet, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

7- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the Bacalao Guisado simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until the codfish is tender and the flavors have melded together.

8- Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro (coriander) for garnish.

9- Serve the Bacalao Guisado hot over cooked white rice, accompanied by fried plantains or tostones if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Dominican Republic Bacalao Guisado!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Dominican Republic Bacalao Guisado recipe per serving:

Salted Codfish (1 pound, after soaking and rinsing):

• Calories: 317 kcal
• Protein: 81 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg (depending on soaking process)

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, potassium, and selenium.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 239 kcal
• Fat: 27 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats promote heart health and may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to overall well-being.

Onion (1 medium-sized):

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g

benefits:

• High in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health and digestion.
• Provides vitamins C and B6, as well as folate and potassium.

Bell Peppers (2 medium-sized, green and red):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and aids in collagen production for healthy skin.
• Excellent source of antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote eye health.
• Provides fiber and various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K1, vitamin E, and potassium.

Garlic (3 cloves):

• Calories: 13 kcal
• Protein: 0.6 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g

benefits:

• Contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial and antiviral properties that may help support immune function.
• Has been linked to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Rich in antioxidants that may help protect against cell damage and aging.

Tomatoes (2 medium-sized):

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which may help protect against certain cancers and promote overall health.
• Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and prostate cancer.
• Contains potassium, folate, and vitamin K1, which support various bodily functions including bone health and blood clotting.

Tomato Sauce (1 cup):

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g

benefits:

• Provides the benefits of tomatoes in a concentrated form, including antioxidants and vitamins.
• Adds flavor and richness to dishes with minimal added calories and fat.
• Can be a convenient way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

White Rice (1 cup, cooked):

• Calories: 206 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g

benefits:

• Good source of energy-providing carbohydrates, which fuel the body and brain.
• Contains some essential nutrients such as manganese, which is important for metabolism and bone health.
• Easily digestible and suitable for individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific ingredients used, cooking methods, and portion sizes.