Today we are cooking a recipe that belongs to the gastronomic traditions of northern Italy and, more specifically, to the city of Vicenza, It’s a lovely main course of fish, highly regarded in Italy, and is a genuine culinary gem of the Veneto, a region rich in wonderful dishes. Can you guess what we are talking about? Well, this is the famous salted cod Vicenza-style, brought back to the Veneto from an expedition which took place in the Middle Ages by someone who was shipwrecked on none other than a Norwegian island, testimony to the glorious past of this city. On their return to Venice, the sailors reported how the locals of that far-away country would eat dried fish. And so the people of Vicenza "invented" a simple but really tasty way of cooking it. And that’s not all: salted cod costs much less than fresh fish .... let's see how to make it.
* approximate values per serving
Soak the cod for two days, changing the water several times. After the two days, rinse it well and clean it by removing all the bones. Then cut it into pieces of equal size. Chop up a handful of pickled capers, half a jar of anchovies in oil, a big bunch of fresh parsley and a quarter of onion. In an oiled oven dish, arrange a layer of the cod pieces and scatter over the chopped anchovies and capers, onion, parsley and grated parmesan. Continue layering until all the ingredients are used up. Once the layering is done, drizzle over some more oil and soak everything with fresh milk. Cover the baking dish with a lid or some tin foil and bake at 160°C for four hours. Every half hour, check to see if the milk has dried out and if so, add some more. Serve together with polenta.
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Slice the onion and then finely chop
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Clean and remove all the bones from the soaked cod
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Cut the cod into chunky pieces that you then arrange in the bottom of an oiled baking dish
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Layer the pieces of cod in a baking dish
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Add the chopped parsley to every layer of cod
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Add the chopped onion to each layer of cod
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Add the chopped anchovy and capers to each layer of cod
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Grate some parmesan over every layer of cod
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Repeat the layering procedure until the ingredients are all used up
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Soak everything with milk, enough to cover the contents of the dish
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Cover the baking dish with tin foil and bake at 140°C for 4 hours. Every half hour check to see if the milk has dried out and add more if necessary
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The salt cod Vicenza-style is ready, excellent eaten with polenta!
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A delicious variant of the classic Baccalà alla vicentina is certainly the version with potatoes. In this preparation, the potatoes are sliced thin and arranged at the bottom of the baking dish along with the baccalà. This combination not only enriches the dish but also gives it a soft and creamy texture. The potatoes absorb the flavors of the baccalà, anchovies, and parsley, creating a harmony of tastes that makes every bite flavorful. To prepare this variant, it is advisable to use yellow-fleshed potatoes, which maintain their shape during cooking. Bake everything in the oven until golden, ensuring a crispy crust on top and a tender and flavorful filling. This recipe is perfect for a family lunch or a dinner with friends, bringing to the table a dish that combines tradition and creativity.
If you want to try a lighter and simpler variant, Baccalà alla vicentina in white is an excellent choice. In this preparation, the baccalà is cooked without the addition of tomato, allowing the flavors of the main ingredients to emerge more distinctly. The preparation involves soaking the baccalà, followed by cooking it in a mix of milk and oil, enriched with onion and parsley. This version allows you to fully appreciate the texture and flavor of the baccalà, without covering the dish with other ingredients. It is a great option for those looking for a lighter and healthier meal, while keeping the nutritional values and authentic flavor of the Venetian tradition intact. Served with a side of fresh vegetables or salad, Baccalà alla vicentina in white becomes a versatile and refined dish.
For those who are health-conscious or have intolerances, the light version of Baccalà alla vicentina without milk is a perfect solution. In this preparation, the milk is replaced with vegetable broth or water, maintaining the same juiciness as the original dish. By using fresh, quality ingredients like capers and parsley, you can achieve a flavorful dish without weighing down the recipe. Additionally, this variant is also ideal for those following a vegan diet, simply substituting the baccalà with a plant-based alternative. The final result is a dish that retains the aromas and flavors typical of Venetian cuisine, but with a reduced caloric intake. Served with a light side dish, it is an excellent choice for those who want to eat healthily without sacrificing taste.
Baccalà is a fish rich in protein and low in fat, making it an ideal food for those seeking a nutritious and light meal. It is an excellent source of omega-3, which are essential for heart health and overall well-being. Additionally, baccalà is rich in B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism and the proper functioning of the nervous system. A serving of Baccalà alla vicentina provides about 200 calories, depending on the amount of oil and ingredients used, making it a perfect option for a balanced meal. Thanks to the presence of capers and parsley, it is further enriched with antioxidants and minerals, contributing to a healthy and balanced diet.
Yes, Baccalà alla vicentina can be frozen, but it is important to follow some precautions to maintain the quality of the dish. Before freezing, ensure that the baccalà is completely cooked and cooled. It is advisable to portion it into airtight containers or food bags to avoid frost formation and maintain flavor. Once frozen, Baccalà alla vicentina can be stored for a maximum of 2-3 months. When you decide to consume it, it is best to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to preserve its texture and flavor. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the oven or in a pan, adding a drizzle of oil to revive the flavors and achieve a pleasant texture.