Portugal-Boiled Cod with Potatoes or Chickpeas

Desalt the cod and soak the chickpeas in the same water for 12 hours.

Place some salted water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the chickpeas and lower the heat to let simmer covered for 1 hour, 40 minutes.

Check the water level from time to time. If you have to add more water, pour in boiling water, otherwise you risk ruining it.

To the saucepan containing the chickpeas, or another pot half-filled with boiling water, add the eggs, vegetables, potatoes and cod. Let simmer uncovered over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are completely cooked. Drain the eggs and shell them.

Place the cod on a serving platter surrounded by the potatoes, chickpeas and vegetables. Garnish with the hard-boiled eggs.

Place small cruets of oil and vinegar on the table so that guests can dress their plates to their own taste. Offer the chopped garlic, parsley and onion in separate little dishes.