Crispy Baked Baccalà Arracanato with Pine Nuts and Raisins

Introduction

At the heart of Italy’s rich culinary tapestry lies a tapestry of fish dishes that showcase the country’s deep connection to the sea. Among these, Baccalà Arracanato stands out as a classic, embodying the perfect harmony of salty, tender cod with a crispy bread crumb crust, infused with subtle hints of garlic, toasted pine nuts, and sweet raisins. This dish is a celebration of textures and flavors—crispy yet moist, savory yet slightly sweet, simple yet sophisticated. Originating from coastal regions where salted cod (baccalà) has been a staple for centuries, this recipe embodies traditional Italian home cooking, passed down through generations and adapted across regions to suit local ingredients and tastes. It is an ideal choice for seafood lovers seeking a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that can be served for family dinners, festive gatherings, or special occasions. Prepared with love and care, Baccalà Arracanato promises to delight your palate and bring a touch of Italy into your home kitchen. As featured on Love With Recipes, this recipe combines authenticity with accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a taste of Italy’s maritime heritage.

Estimated Time

Total preparation and cooking time: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

• Preparation Time: 45 minutes (including soaking, prepping, and assembling)
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Medium frying pan
• Toasting pan or skillet
• Food processor or bread grater
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Socket or oven-safe baking dish (preferably ceramic or glass)
• Basting brush or spoon for olive oil
• Aluminum foil or baking paper (optional)
• Kitchen towel or paper towels
• Serving platter or dish
• Optional: food processor for breadcrumb preparation

Tags

• Italian cuisine
• Seafood
• Salted cod
• Baked fish
• Traditional recipes
• Comfort food
• Family-friendly

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 generous servings, making it suitable for family dinners or small gatherings. Each serving can be paired with simple side dishes to complete the meal.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate — The recipe involves soaking salted cod, preparing breadcrumbs, and baking, but is straightforward enough for home cooks with some experience in fish preparation and baking techniques. Clear instructions and tips make it accessible for enthusiastic beginners ready to learn traditional Italian seafood cooking.

Allergen Information

• Fish: Contains salted cod (fish)
• Tree nuts: Contains pine nuts
• Gluten: Contains breadcrumbs (unless using gluten-free alternative)
• Sulphites: Salted cod may contain sulphites depending on processing

Please adapt if you have specific allergies or sensitivities, and verify ingredient labels accordingly.

Dietary Preference

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Pescatarian: Suitable
• Low-Carb: Adjust breadcrumbs or omit for lower carbohydrate content
• Vegetarian: Not suitable

Course

Main Course — Perfect as the centerpiece for a seafood-focused dinner or special celebration.

Cuisine

Italian — Rooted in the coastal culinary traditions of Italy, especially regions like Liguria, Veneto, and Sicily.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by thoroughly soaking the salted cod fillets in cold water. To ensure the saltiness is adequately reduced, submerge the fish in a large bowl of cold water, changing the water 3 to 4 times over a 24-hour period. This process is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor balance. The soaking time may vary depending on the thickness and saltiness of the cod, so taste a small piece after the initial 12 hours to check for saltiness. Once desalted, rinse the cod under cold running water to remove any surface salt residues. Pat the fish dry gently with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispy crust during baking.

While the fish is soaking, prepare the breadcrumbs. Tear the stale bread into smaller pieces and pulse them in a food processor until fine crumbs form. If you don’t have a food processor, you can grate the bread using a box grater or crush it manually. Toast fresh bread lightly in a dry skillet if you prefer a more fragrant breadcrumb. Set aside. This step ensures the breadcrumbs hold their structure during baking and add a delightful crunch.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Base

In a dry skillet or frying pan, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until they turn golden brown, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning, as toasted pine nuts release a rich aroma and flavor that enhances the dish. Once toasted, remove from heat and set aside.

Next, mince the garlic finely, ideally using a garlic press or sharp knife. In the same pan used for pine nuts, add a tablespoon of good-quality extra virgin olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. This infuses the oil with garlic flavor, which will be absorbed by the fish and the topping, creating a layered taste experience.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

In a large mixing bowl, combine the desalted, dried cod pieces with the soaked raisins, toasted pine nuts, oregano, and the sautéed garlic with olive oil. Add a generous splash of extra virgin olive oil—about 3-4 tablespoons—ensuring the mixture is well coated and the flavors meld together. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly, being careful not to break apart the fish. The raisins add a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the cod, while oregano lends an aromatic herby note.

Prepare your baking dish by squeezing the juice of one lemon over the bottom, creating a flavorful base. Add about 2 tablespoons of water to generate steam during baking, which helps keep the fish tender. Spread the seasoned fish mixture into the dish, arranging the pieces so they are evenly spaced and partially submerged in the lemon juice and water mixture.

Top the fish generously with breadcrumbs, pressing them lightly onto the surface to form a crust. For added flavor, sprinkle the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt, a dash of oregano, and a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the breadcrumb crust to help it brown and crisp up during baking.

Step 4: Baking the Baccalà Arracanato

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the baking dish in the center of the oven and bake uncovered for approximately 35 minutes. During this time, the breadcrumb crust will turn golden brown and crispy, while the fish remains moist and tender. Check periodically to ensure the top does not burn; if browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

Once baked, the aroma of toasted breadcrumbs, garlic, and roasted pine nuts will fill your kitchen. The fish should flake easily with a fork, and the crust should be golden and crunchy. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and the dish to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.

Step 5: Serving and Final Presentation

Serve your Baccalà Arracanato hot, directly from the baking dish or transferred to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a lemon wedge for a burst of freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides such as roasted vegetables, a light arugula salad, or crusty Italian bread to soak up the flavorful juices. For an authentic touch, serve with a chilled glass of Vermentino or Pinot Grigio, which complements the rich, savory profile of the dish.

Preparation Tips

• Desalting the cod: Proper desalting is key to achieving the right balance of saltiness. If the cod is particularly salty, extend soaking time up to 36 hours, changing water every 6-8 hours.
• Breadcrumb texture: For a crunchier topping, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet until golden before adding to the dish. Alternatively, use panko for an extra crispy crust.
• Flavor enhancements: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the breadcrumb mixture for added freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat if desired.
• Moisture retention: Adding a splash of white wine or a few cherry tomatoes on the bottom of the baking dish can introduce acidity and moisture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Use quality salted cod: The success of this dish hinges on the quality of your fish. Opt for sustainably sourced, high-quality salted cod for the best flavor and texture.
• Control salt levels: Always taste the soaked cod and adjust the salt content in your final dish accordingly. The soaking process greatly alleviates the saltiness, but some residual salt remains.
• Flavor layering: Toasted pine nuts and sautéed garlic add depth. Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
• Presentation: For a refined presentation, serve individual portions plated with a drizzle of good olive oil, a lemon wedge, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Add-ons and Variations

• Parmesan crust: Mix grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs for a richer, umami-packed crust.
• Vegetables: Add thin slices of zucchini or cherry tomatoes on top before baking for extra color and flavor.
• Spice it up: Incorporate red pepper flakes or smoked paprika into the breadcrumb mixture for a smoky, spicy variation.
• Vegan adaptation: Substitute salted cod with hearty vegetables like eggplant or tempeh, and use vegan breadcrumbs and toppings.

Side Dishes

• Italian roasted vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers)
• Simple arugula or mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Crusty Italian bread or baguette
• Steamed or sautéed greens (spinach, kale)
• Lightly seasoned roasted potatoes

Improvements and Variations

• Adding a splash of white wine or vermouth during baking can enhance the dish’s depth.
• Incorporate capers or black olives to add salty, briny notes.
• Experiment with different herbs such as basil or marjoram for regional variations.
• Finish with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or grated cheese for extra crunch and flavor.

Save and Store

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) or in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the crispy crust. For longer storage, freeze the baked dish wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as described, adding a little olive oil or water to prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cod instead of salted?

Yes, but the cooking process will differ. Fresh cod does not require soaking and can be cooked directly or lightly poached before assembling. The flavor profile will be less concentrated, so consider adding extra seasonings or herbs.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely. Simply replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives such as almond meal, gluten-free panko, or crushed rice crackers. This modification maintains the crunch while accommodating gluten sensitivities.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. For best results, bake just before serving to ensure the breadcrumb crust remains crispy.

Conclusion

Baccalà Arracanato exemplifies the artistry of Italian seafood cuisine, blending the briny sweetness of salted cod with the crunch of toasted breadcrumbs and the aromatic depth of garlic and pine nuts. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a standout dish suitable for various occasions, from family dinners to festive celebrations. With simple preparation and authentic ingredients, this recipe offers a taste of Italy’s coastal culinary heritage right in your home. Whether served with a glass of crisp white wine or a fresh green salad, Baccalà Arracanato will leave a lasting impression. Remember, the key to success lies in proper desalting, careful preparation, and attentive baking. Enjoy crafting this traditional Italian favorite and savor the flavors of the sea in every bite.

References

• “Salted Cod in Italian Cuisine,” Italian Food Forever, 2020.
• “Traditional Recipes of Italy: Seafood and Fish Dishes,” Food and Wine Magazine, 2019.