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Home » Recipes » Seafood Recipes

How to Make Italian Baccala – Authentic Italian Recipe

Published: Sep 26, 2018 · Modified: Sep 28, 2024 by Chef Dennis Littley

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Italian Baccala is salted cod, a traditional ingredient in many Italian dishes. Here we will explore how to make Italian Baccala.

Italian baccala on a white platter garnished with rough cut parsley.


 

Christmas is a very important holiday for Italians and one of the 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.

What is Baccala

Baccala is salted cod. The cod is dried and preserved using salt, which gives it a firm texture and a distinct, savory flavor.

A collage of 6 steps involved in making the recipe.

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.

The authentic dish is served on a white serving platter.

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:

  • Clams Casino
  • Quick and Easy Steamed Mussels
  • Clams and Spaghetti
  • New Zealand Mussels served 5 ways
baccala

Italian Baccala

Chef Dennis Littley
Italian Baccala is a classic and in this guest post you’ll learn her family secrets to prepare this dish in your own home for the holidays.
4.36 from 74 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Listen to the Post
Prep Time 1 day d
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Course Entree
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 319 kcal

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

Calories: 319kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 54gFat: 5gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 5987mgPotassium: 1419mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 925IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 152mgIron: 2.6mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!
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Comments

    4.36 from 74 votes (70 ratings without comment)

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  1. Michael Cicchinelli says

    March 01, 2025 at 10:05 pm

    May I use fresh cod?

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      March 02, 2025 at 7:26 am

      You can but it won’t come out the same and won’t be baccala.

      Reply
  2. Maria Gravinese says

    December 17, 2023 at 5:01 pm

    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.

    Reply
  3. Mary says

    September 27, 2023 at 1:02 am

    What do you mean by “flake the fish.” I have not heard of that term “flake” in regard to fish.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      September 27, 2023 at 8:28 am

      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.

      Reply
  4. Tammy says

    August 16, 2023 at 1:04 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      August 16, 2023 at 2:18 pm

      absolutely, I think the peppers will add more flavor.

      Reply
      • Tammy says

        April 28, 2024 at 10:24 am

        Thank you Chef Dennis. What is the best type of white wine to use with salted cod?

      • Chef Dennis Littley says

        April 29, 2024 at 9:03 am

        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.

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My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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