18 Baccalà Recipe Italian Elevate Your Taste Buds!

The History of Baccalà

The Origins

Baccalà has been a part of Italian cuisine for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the 16th century. During this time, baccalà was a common ingredient used by sailors on long voyages due to its ability to be preserved for long periods without refrigeration. The fish was salted and dried, making it a valuable and readily available source of protein for sailors.

Its Popularity Today

In modern times, baccalà remains a popular ingredient in Italian cooking, particularly in the regions of Liguria, Veneto, and Campania. It is also widely enjoyed during the holiday season, with many families incorporating baccalà into their traditional Christmas Eve dinner. This dish is known as "La Vigilia" or "The Vigil," and it symbolizes the waiting period before Christmas.

The Baccalà Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of baccalà, soaked in water for 24 hours
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. After soaking the baccalà for 24 hours, drain and rinse it thoroughly.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and onion, and cook until softened.
4. Add the baccalà to the pan, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Next, add the can of diced tomatoes, and stir to combine.
6. Cover the pan and let the baccalà simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and flaky.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Baccalà can be enjoyed as a main dish, served with a side of vegetables or potatoes. It is also commonly used in pasta dishes, such as baccalà alla Genovese, where the fish is cooked with tomatoes, olives, and capers and served over linguine. Whichever way you choose to enjoy baccalà, this traditional Italian recipe is sure to be a hit. Try out this authentic baccalà recipe at your next family dinner or holiday gathering and impress your guests with a taste of Italy's culinary history. Featured Keywords: baccalà, salted cod, Italian cuisine, preserved fish, traditional, authentic recipe, Christmas Eve, baccalà alla Genovese, linguine.