When it comes to creating a flavorful and memorable dish, baccala with onions and tomatoes stands tall as a culinary masterpiece. This traditional Italian dish, with its roots in the coastal regions, offers a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Dive into the world of baccala, also known as salt cod, as we explore the secrets behind crafting this delectable dish. Discover the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and umami flavors as we guide you through selecting the finest ingredients and mastering the art of cooking baccala with onions and tomatoes.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BACCALA WITH ONIONS AND TOMATOES
Provided by Moira Hodgson
Categories dinner, easy, main course
Time 1h15m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat the oil in a large flat ovenproof dish. Saute the onions and garlic in the oil.
- Arrange the pieces of salt cod on top and add the herb bouquet, tomato puree, tomatoes, and white wine. Season with pepper, sprinkle with bread crumbs and dot with butter.
- Bake for one hour and serve in the same dish, garnished with capers and lemon slices.
BACCALA IN RED SAUCE
Steps:
- Soak cod in water for 2 to 3 days, refrigerated, changing water every day. In large casserole, heat oil and add onion and celery. Saute until golden brown. Add olives. Add white wine. Reduce by half. Stir in tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil. Lower to simmer. Add potatoes and cod and cook until cod breaks off with a fork and the potatoes are tender. Taste, add parsley and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
- Salt may not be necessary.
SALT COD WITH TOMATOES AND CAPERS (BACCALà ALLA VESUVIANA)
In Italy, this recipe is a classic holiday dish. For Christmas Eve, it would generally be served at room temperature, as part of a buffet.
Provided by Mario Batali
Categories Christmas Dinner Seafood Cod Christmas Eve Simmer Pescatarian Paleo Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Serves 6 as an appetizer or 4 as a main-course
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In large bowl, combine cod with water to cover by 2 inches. Cover and refrigerate, changing water 3 times a day, 1 to 3 days (see cooks' note, below). Refrigerate until ready to use.
- In small bowl, combine capers with water to cover by 1 inch. Cover and refrigerate 1 day, changing water 3 times.
- Drain and rinse capers, then squeeze dry. Drain cod and pat dry, then cut into 4- by 2-inch pieces.
- In heavy 6- to 8-quart pot over moderate heat, heat 3 tablespoons oil until hot but not smoking. Add onion and sauté until softened and golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add red pepper flakes, capers, tomatoes and juice, and salt. Using wooden spoon, gently crush tomatoes. Bring to simmer, then carefully add cod. Add parsley and 1/4 cup mint and gently spoon some of sauce over cod. Simmer, uncovered, until cod is tender and heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Using slotted spatula, transfer cod to serving platter. Remove pot from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons olive oil. Spoon sauce over fish, then sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon mint and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Serve warm or at room temperature.
CHRISTMAS EVE BACCALA (SALT COD WITH POTATOES & TOMATOES)
Traditionally, Italians dine on seven different fish and seafood dishes (symbolizing the seven sacraments) on Christmas Eve. (By the way, you don't have to wait for Christmas to make this wonderful dish.) This recipe is typical of the Calabrian region of Italy. Have plenty of crusty Italian bread available to scoop up the sauce. And, remember to buy your dried, salted cod (baccala) three days before cooking, so you can prepare it. Buono Natale!!
Provided by Alan in SW Florida
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- PREPARE THE BACCALA: Three days before cooking, place the pieces of dried cod (baccala) in a large pan, cover with cold water, and refrigerate. (Do yourself a favor and cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap AND aluminum foil, or your refrigerator will be filled with a very strong fishy smell!) Soak for 3 days to remove the salt. Turn the pieces of fish occasionally and change the water every 6 to 8 hours. By the third day, the cod will be plump, soft, fleshy, and well hydrated. Rinse under cold water and pat dry. The baccala is now ready for the recipe. (This is NOT part of the preparation time listed in the recipe).
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Remove any skin and bones from the fish, dry with paper towels, and cut into 6 pieces.
- Grease a 9x12-inch-deep oven-proof dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Layer with half the potatoes, half the onions, half the cod, and half the tomatoes. Sprinkle with half the parsley.
- Add the raisins, toasted pignoli, capers, olives, and the rest of the potatoes, onions and cod. Pour in the rest of the tomatoes with the juices. Season with the salt, pepper, and the remaining parsley. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top and bake, uncovered, for 45 to 50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve in soup bowls.
- Remember, on Christmas Eve, this is only one of, at least, seven fish or seafood dishes that are to follow in the same meal. This recipe serves 6, as a part of a larger meal. If you are making only this recipe, you will probably want to double or triple it.
- Enjoy & Buono Natale (Merry Christmas!).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 301.8, Fat 10.2, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 32.5, Sodium 621.5, Carbohydrate 37.2, Fiber 5.4, Sugar 11.9, Protein 18.3
Tips:
- Choose high-quality cod: Opt for fresh or frozen cod fillets or loins that are firm, white, and free of any off-odors.
- Soak the cod properly: Prior to cooking, soak the salted cod in cold water for the recommended time to remove excess salt and rehydrate it.
- Use ripe tomatoes: Select ripe, juicy tomatoes for a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Brown the onions well: Sauté the onions until they develop a nice golden-brown color to enhance their sweetness and complexity.
- Cook the sauce slowly: Simmer the tomato sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Add herbs and spices to your liking: Experiment with various herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, or red pepper flakes, to customize the flavor profile of the dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the baccalà to add a vibrant touch and extra flavor.
Conclusion:
Baccalà with onions and tomatoes is a delectable Italian dish that showcases the versatility and deliciousness of salted cod. By following these tips and the provided recipes, you can easily create an authentic and flavorful meal that celebrates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure with baccalà. Buon appetito!
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