How to make Bacalao a la Llauna: Traditional Catalan Recipe

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Bacallà a la llauna is one of those dishes that, despite its simplicity, encapsulates the essence of Catalan gastronomy. Typical of the Lleida area (Lleida), its name comes from the “llauna” (metal tin or tray) in which it was traditionally cooked. It is a comforting dish, full of sea and mountain flavors, thanks to the combination of salted cod, garlic, paprika and, very often, dried beans (white beans).

Unlike other more complex recipes, this one focuses on enhancing the quality of the cod and the paprika and vinegar dressing, creating a crispy layer on the outside and a juicy interior.

📝 Ingredients needed

For 4 people.

For the Cod

  • 4 pieces (loins) of desalted cod (about 150-200 g per serving).

  • Flour for breading.

  • Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for frying.

For the Red Pepper Garlic

  • 4-6 cloves of garlic.

  • 100 ml extra virgin olive oil.

  • 1 tablespoon sweet red pepper (or a mixture of sweet and spicy, to taste).

  • 1-2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar.

  • Fresh parsley, chopped.

For the Garnish (Optional, but Recommended)

  • 400 g cooked white beans (can be canned, well drained and rinsed).

🧑‍🍳 Step by Step: preparation and cooking

Step 1: prepare the Cod

The key to Canned cod is made by using cod loins that have already been desalted. If you have bought salted cod, remember to desalt it in the fridge for 48 hours, changing the water every 8 hours.

  1. Drying: Dry the cod loins very well with kitchen paper. This is essential so that the flour adheres and they remain crispy.

  2. Drying: Lightly coat the cod pieces in flour, removing the excess. We only need a very thin layer.

  3. First Sealing: Heat plenty of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  4. Frying: Fry the cod on the skin side for about 3-4 minutes, then flip. Cook the flesh side for just 1-2 minutes more, until golden brown. The goal is to seal it and give it a nice color, not to cook it completely, as it will end up in the oven.

  5. Set aside: Remove the cod and let it rest on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.

Step 2: Prepare the garlic and beans

While the cod is resting, we will prepare the aromatic base of the dish.

  1. Sauté the garlic: In a small pan or saucepan, heat the olive oil. Cut the garlic cloves into thin slices and add them to the oil. Heat over low heat. The garlic should be candied and brown very slowly without burning.

  2. Add the paprika: Remove the pan from the heat so that the oil can cool down a bit. This step is crucial, as if the oil is too hot, the paprika will burn and make the sauce bitter. Add the paprika and stir quickly.

  3. The Touch of Vinegar: Return the pan to very low heat, just for a moment, and add the vinegar. You will hear the typical sizzling sound, which helps to slightly emulsify the garlic. Remove and reserve.

  4. Sauté the Beans (Optional): If you are using beans, sauté the cooked beans in the same pan where you fried the cod (with a little new oil if the previous one is very dirty). Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will give them flavor and a slightly crunchy texture.

Step 3: Final Baking and Presentation

All that’s left is the finishing touch!

  1. Prep the Tray: Preheat the oven to (heat up and down). In a tray or “tin” suitable for the oven, place the sautéed beans (if using them) as a base.

  2. Place the Cod: Place the cod loins on the beans or directly on the tray, always with the skin side down.

  3. The Aixell Bath: Generously sprinkle each cod loin with the red pepper garlic.

  4. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes at . The exact time will depend on the thickness of your loins, but the goal is for the cod to be cooked through and the sauce to be incorporated.

  5. Serve: Remove the tray from the oven. Serve immediately, one cod loin per plate. Pour a spoonful of the sauce from the tray over each piece and garnish with plenty of chopped fresh parsley.

✨ Tips for Perfect Canned Cod

  • Crispy Skin: Make sure that when frying the cod initially, the skin is very dry. The contrast between the golden skin and the juicy interior is part of the charm of the dish.

  • Quality of the paprika: Use a good quality paprika, either from La Vera or a sweet paprika that adds a lot of aroma. If you like it spicy, mix a teaspoon of hot red pepper with the sweet.

  • Accompaniment: Traditionally it is served with white beans (mongetas), but if you want a change, some baked potatoes or a simple escalivada (roasted vegetables) can also be used.

  • Resting: It is important to let the desalted cod rest before cooking it. A good rest improves the texture.

Seafood and health: a perfect combination of flavor and well-being

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In the world of gastronomy, few foods combine the pleasure of the palate with health benefits as exquisitely as seafood. At Tritón, our restaurant in Gualta, we not only offer you delicious dishes, but we also propose a journey of well-being through the treasures that the sea offers.

Beyond its unmistakable taste of the sea, seafood is a true gift from nature for our bodies. It’s an excellent source of essential nutrients that our bodies appreciate. We’ll take advantage of these lines to explain why including seafood in your diet is a decision that’s as smart as it is pleasurable.

A trunk of essential nutrients

Seafood is known, above all, for its high protein quality. These proteins are easy to digest and contain all the essential amino acids our bodies need to repair tissue, maintain muscle mass, and function properly. It’s also low in saturated fat, making it an ideal choice for those who want to stay slim without sacrificing flavor.

One ​​of the main protagonists is undoubtedly Omega-3. These essential fatty acids, abundant in seafood such as mussels, clams, and shrimp, are famous for their cardiovascular benefits. They help lower blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels, and prevent inflammation, protecting our hearts.

We can’t forget about minerals. Seafood is a rich source of zinc, essential for the immune system; selenium, a powerful antioxidant; and iodine, essential for proper thyroid function. In addition, it is one of the best natural sources of vitamin B12, crucial for the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells.

Noticeable Benefits

Incorporating seafood into your diet regularly has tangible effects on your health:

  • Cardiovascular Health Reinforced: Omega-3 is your best ally to keep your heart in shape.

  • Brain support: The same nutrients that protect the heart also promote cognitive function.

  • Natural defenses: Zinc and selenium help you cope with external agents.

  • Healthy skin and eyes: Vitamins and antioxidants help keep them in good condition.

Quality, the key to the difference

To get the most out of these benefits, the quality and freshness of the product are absolutely decisive. Shellfish that have lost their properties won’t offer you the same. This is where Tritón in Gualta makes the real difference.

In our restaurant, proximity is our hallmark. We work with local suppliers and fishermen from the Girona coast, ensuring that every mussel, clam, or lobster that arrives at our kitchen is at its peak of freshness. This commitment to excellence is not only evident in the flavor, but is our guarantee that you and your families can enjoy all the benefits the sea has to offer.

 

In our kitchen, we respect the product because we know its value. We prepare it with techniques that take advantage of its properties and highlight its nature, from grilled shrimp to a sophisticated brothy rice with fish and seafood.

At Tritón, we invite you to live a comprehensive experience: a feast for the senses and a gift for your health. It’s not just about eating, but about nourishing the body and soul with the best that the sea has to offer.

We look forward to seeing you in Gualta to share the authentic taste of well-being with you.

The temple of the best rice dishes in the Empordà

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In the Empordà, rice is much more than a simple dish: it’s a tradition, an art, and a passion passed down from generation to generation. At Triton, our restaurant in Gualta, we’ve made this art our hallmark. We present a unique gastronomic experience, where each grain of rice tells a story and each bite transports you to the most authentic flavors of the Costa Brava.

We specialize in the best rice dishes in the Empordà, made with fresh ingredients, traditional techniques, and a touch of creativity that defines us. Today we invite you to discover three of our signature dishes: rice and fideuá, fish rice in a casserole, and fish paella.

Rice and fideuá: Tradition and innovation on your table

Our rice and fideuá are a tribute to the most authentic seafood cuisine. Made with the best ingredients of the day, from shrimp and squid to clams and mussels, each dish is an explosion of marine flavors.

Fish Paella: A gastronomic journey through the Mediterranean

Our fish paella is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. Made with fresh fish, top-quality seafood, and rice that absorbs all the aromas of the fish stock, this dish is a gastronomic journey you won’t forget.

At Triton, each pan is cooked with the precision of an artisan and the love of a chef who knows the secrets of the sea. It’s a dish to be shared, enjoyed, and remembered.

Why choose Triton?

At Triton, we don’t just serve rice dishes; we offer experiences. Each dish is the result of a passion for Empordà cuisine, a commitment to quality, and a love for the details that make the difference.

  • Fresh ingredients: We work with local, daily produce to ensure the best flavor.
  • Traditional techniques: We respect traditional recipes, but add a touch of creativity that defines us.
  • Unique atmosphere: Our restaurant in Gualta is the perfect place to enjoy a good meal in the company of your loved ones.

Come to Triton and discover the true flavor of the Empordà

If you’re looking for the best rice dishes in the Empordà, Triton is your place. Whether it’s a soupy rice dish, a flavorful fideuá, or a pan-fried dish that transports you to the Mediterranean, you’ll find all of this and much more here.

We look forward to seeing you in Gualta to share a culinary experience you’ll remember forever. Enjoy your meal! 🦑🍚