How to make Italian Baccala.
Guest Post: My name is Mireille and I live in New York, where I have been lucky to be able to experiment with the cultural foods of many countries.
My family background is as diverse as my city, with relatives spanning the globe from Haiti to Indonesia. I currently work freelance as a food writer and personal chef and use my blog to present authentic and fusion recipes from around the world. Lots of Indian, Caribbean and so many other cuisines are represented at Chef Mireille’s Global Creations (this blog no longer exists).
NY has one of the largest Italian communities, outside of Italy. Just about every other person you meet is at least ½ Italian. Most Italians are Catholic.
As a result, Christmas is one of the most important holidays to them and one of their traditions involves eating 7 different seafood dishes on Christmas Eve. Many of the dishes will differ from family to family, however, one dish is always included – Baccala.
Also known as Bacalao in other countries like Spain and Portugal, salted cod is popular in many countries. Usually originating as peasant food, it becomes part of the national culinary landscape in these countries.
Why not make this classic a tradition in your home this year? Italian Baccala can bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table.
If you are a seafood fanatic like I am, you may want to try this delicious tradition for your next Christmas meal. Who says you have to be Italian? Here are some ideas to complete the Feast of the Seven Fishes:
Italian Baccala
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion chopped
- 1 clove garlic finely chopped
- 12 oz . dried salted cod boned
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 ⅓ cup tomatoes chopped
- ¼ cup parsley finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Soak fish in water for 24 hours. Drain and put fresh water to cover. You can repeat this process if the cod is still too salty.
- Boil until fish is tender, about 20 minutes. Drain. Once it is cool enough to handle, flake by hand.
- In a large skillet, heat oil. Add onion and garlic and saute for a few minutes, until onions are translucent. Add tomatoes and wine and cook on medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, until alcohol has been cooked out.
- Add fish and parsley. Toss and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add pepper and lemon juice and toss to combine.
- Serve, garnished with more parsley, with crusty Italian bread or roasted potatoes.
Nutrition
Maria Gravinese
Nick, When you soak the baccala in the water, you need to change the water ever day I soak and change the water for 4 days, and it’s salt free. Hope this will help.
Mary
What do you mean by “flake the fish.” I have not heard of that term “flake” in regard to fish.
Chef Dennis Littley
When the fish cooks you will see that the fish will start to “split” into flakes or layers. Instead of just cutting or using your hands to pull the fish apart, use a fork and and try to split the sections, flaking the fish.
Tammy
Can you make this recipe with roasted red peppers instead of tomatoes and still taste great? I am not a big fan of cooked tomatoes unless it is in homemade spaghetti sauce. Thank you.
Chef Dennis Littley
absolutely, I think the peppers will add more flavor.
Tammy
Thank you Chef Dennis. What is the best type of white wine to use with salted cod?
Chef Dennis Littley
You’re welcome. Drier white wines with good acidity pair well with salted cod because salty foods can make wines taste sweeter. Try a Sancerre, White Burgundy, or Sauvignon Blanc with this dish.