According to Maria de Lourdes Modesto’s book Cozinha Tradicional Portuguesa, this recipe was created by a hostel owner who was surprised by a snowstorm in Serra da Estrela and gathered the last food products left to feed the guests.
Henrique Assis and his wife Rosa Fortuna created Assis Codfish in the ‘O Skiador’ hostel. This recipe is a variation of Brás-style codfish and it was also known as ‘A-Si Codfish’. The creator of this recipe descended from the Chinese; a military officer brought him to Covilhã, where he grew up and raised a family. He learnt to cook Portuguese food and was the head chef of several establishments, including Club União da Covilhã – an elite club where the upper classes were seen. This recipe is very famous in Covilhã.
Cut the potatoes and carrots into a shoestring and fry in oil. Shred the previously soaked codfish.
Thinly slice the onion and sauté with olive oil, pepper, and diced ham. Add the codfish and leave to sauté. Add the potatoes and carrots, stir it all, and finally add the whisked eggs and chopped parsley. Let it cook for a little bit; you should get a moist texture. Decorate with red peppers.
Modesto, M. de L. (1990). Cozinha Tradicional Portuguesa. Lisboa: Editorial Verbo
Sobral, V. (2012) As Minhas Receitas de Bacalhau. Casa das Letras.