Baccalà Arracanato: A Savory Italian Dish for Seafood Lovers
If you’re looking for an aromatic and flavorful Italian dish, Baccalà Arracanato is an excellent choice. This traditional recipe combines the rich taste of salted cod with a delightful bread crumb crust, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or new to cooking fish, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees a satisfying result.
Ingredients:
For 4 servings of Baccalà Arracanato, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salted cod (pre-soaked) | 800g |
| Stale bread | 150g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Pine nuts | 20g |
| Lemon juice | 1 lemon |
| Raisins | 30g |
| Oregano | To taste |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 tbsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
Nutritional Information:
(For a serving size of 1/4 of the total dish)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 550mg |
Preparation Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
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Soak the Raisins: Begin by soaking the raisins in cold water for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they plump up. After soaking, drain them thoroughly and set them aside.
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Prepare the Salted Cod: Rinse the pre-soaked salted cod under cold running water to remove any excess salt. Pat it dry gently with paper towels to absorb any moisture. Cut the cod into chunks or tranches of your preferred size.
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Grind the Stale Bread: Tear the stale bread into pieces and grind it into breadcrumbs. If you don’t have stale bread, lightly toast fresh bread and pulse it in a food processor to create the right texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Base
- Garlic and Pine Nuts: In a pan, lightly toast the pine nuts until golden. Be careful not to burn them. Next, mince the garlic finely and sauté it briefly in a bit of olive oil in the same pan, allowing the flavors to infuse the oil.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
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Season the Cod: Place the cod pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add the soaked raisins, oregano, and the sautéed garlic with pine nuts. Pour a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over the mixture, ensuring everything is coated. Mix well using a spoon to allow the flavors to meld.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Squeeze the juice of one lemon onto the bottom of a baking dish. Add about two tablespoons of water to create a little steam while baking, helping keep the fish moist.
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Arrange the Cod: Carefully place the seasoned cod pieces into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs generously over the top to create a crust, ensuring the fish is well-covered.
Step 4: Bake the Baccalà Arracanato
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. The cod should become golden and crisp on the top, while remaining moist and tender inside.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
- Serving: Once the Baccalà Arracanato is baked, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the cod.
Tips for the Best Baccalà Arracanato
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Soak the cod well: If using salted cod, it’s crucial to soak it for at least 24 hours, changing the water a few times to remove excess salt. This ensures the cod remains tender and not overly salty.
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Add extra flavor: You can enhance the flavor of the breadcrumbs by adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese or some chopped fresh parsley to the mixture before spreading it on top of the cod.
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Wine pairing: This dish goes exceptionally well with a crisp white wine like Vermentino or Pinot Grigio, both of which complement the delicate flavors of the cod and the rich, herby breadcrumbs.
Baccalà Arracanato is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the savory richness of cod with the crunchiness of breadcrumbs and the sweetness of raisins. Perfect for a cozy dinner with family or a special occasion, this recipe will surely impress anyone who loves traditional Italian seafood recipes. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine and the company of your loved ones!
