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Fish, South and mountains

Basque salt cod omelette with green salad

This Basque salt cod omelette with salad serves 4, takes 40 minutes, is easy to make, and costs about €3.50 per person. The key to success is cooking the onions and peppers slowly, then keeping the center of the omelette soft rather than fully set.

Tonight, a soft Basque omelette with salt cod, onions and green peppers, served with a salad.

Basque salt cod omelette with green salad
Total time
40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€3.50
Calories per person
480 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
The kids
They generally like it

This Basque omelette combines flaked salt cod with onions and green peppers cooked slowly in olive oil until soft. The cod brings a salty, briny flavor, the vegetables add sweetness that balances it out, and the omelette stays soft, almost runny in the center, giving the dish its contrast of textures.

It's a weeknight recipe that offers a change from plain fish, and part of it can be prepped ahead since the cod and vegetables can cook earlier in the day. Kids tend to like it because desalted cod has a mild flavor, and a green salad with country bread is all you need to round out the meal.

The ingredients

4 people

Fish counter

  • Salt cod, desalted 300 g

Dairy

  • Eggs 8

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onion 2
  • Green pepper 2
  • Green salad 1

Pantry

  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Wine vinegaroften in the pantry 1 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Bakery

  • Country bread 4 slices

Allergens Eggs, Fish, Gluten

The step by step recipe

  1. Poach the salt cod, drain it and flake it. 8 min

    Keep it in chunks, it adds texture.

  2. Cook the sliced onions and peppers in the oil until soft. 15 min

    Cook them slowly until they turn tender.

  3. Add the cod to the vegetables and let it pick up a little color. 3 min

    Drain off excess oil before adding the eggs.

  4. Beat the eggs with a little pepper, pour over the filling, and cook like an omelette. 8 min

    Don't salt the eggs, the cod is already salty.

  5. Fold the omelette, dress the salad, and serve with the bread.

    Slide the omelette onto a plate rather than flipping it.

Our tips to get it right

  • Desalt the cod thoroughly before you start, otherwise the dish turns too salty even without adding salt to the eggs.
  • Use a wide nonstick pan so the omelette cooks evenly without sticking to the bottom.
  • Slice the peppers into thin strips so they soften completely during the 15 minutes they cook with the onions.

The variations

  • Swap the salt cod for poached fresh cod for a milder, less salty version.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the cod and add sliced mushrooms along with the peppers.
  • For kids in a hurry, cut the omelette into small pieces and serve with bread sticks instead of slices.

What to serve it with

  • A green salad with vinaigrette
  • Toasted country bread
  • A glass of dry white wine

Storage

The omelette keeps for 2 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It doesn't freeze well since cooked eggs lose their texture. Reheat it gently in a pan over low heat rather than in the microwave to keep it from turning rubbery.

Questions about this dish

Can you use store bought pre desalted salt cod?

Yes, it's actually more convenient and faster. Still taste it before using it, since commercial desalting varies between brands and some pieces may remain saltier than others.

How do you keep the omelette from drying out?

Take it off the heat while the center is still slightly runny, the pan's residual heat finishes the cooking. An overcooked omelette loses its softness and turns dense.

Can you prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the cod with the onions and peppers several hours ahead, then reheat gently before adding the beaten eggs. This cuts down the prep time at dinner.

What kind of bread goes best with this omelette?

A slightly rustic country bread works well, since its dense crumb soaks up the salad's vinaigrette. Bread that's too soft or too crispy throws off the balance of the meal.

How long does it take to make a Basque salt cod omelette with green salad?

Count 40 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a Basque salt cod omelette with green salad?

About 480 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a Basque salt cod omelette with green salad cost?

About €3.50 per serving, or €14.00 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains eggs, fish, gluten. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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