Spaghetti with Salted Cod, Olives, Capers, and Crispy Breadcrumbs

Pasta with Salted Cod (Pasta con Baccalà)

Category: First Courses
Servings: 4

Pasta with salted cod is a traditional Italian dish, rich in flavor and steeped in history. This recipe combines the delicate taste of baccalà (salted cod) with the savory notes of Tropea red onions, green olives, and capers, creating a delightful seafood pasta dish. The dish is finished off with a crisp, golden breadcrumb topping that adds a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this pasta dish is a true celebration of Italian flavors.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salted Cod
   Start by soaking the salted cod (baccalà) in water to desalinate it. Place the fish in a large bowl, covering it completely with cold water. Allow it to soak for about 48 hours, changing the water every 4 hours to ensure it is fully desalinated. Once the water runs clear, remove the cod from the bowl, rinse it under cold running water, and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any bones using tweezers, then cut the cod into chunks or leave it whole, depending on your preference.

2. Prepare the Onion and Cook the Cod
   On a chopping board, finely chop the Tropea red onion. Heat 50g of extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for a few minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the chunks of baccalà to the pan, cooking for a few more minutes to allow the fish to release its flavor into the oil.

3. Add the Olives and Capers
   Once the cod has lightly browned, season with a pinch of salt (if desired) and black pepper to taste. Add the green olives, sliced into rings, and the capers (drained from their brine) to the pan. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Deglaze with White Wine
   Pour in the white wine and let it evaporate, stirring occasionally, to help deglaze the pan and create a flavorful sauce for the cod and vegetables.

5. Prepare the Breadcrumbs
   While the cod mixture is simmering, heat the remaining 50g of olive oil in another pan. Add the bread, crumbled into small pieces, and sauté until the crumbs are golden and crispy. This will create a delicious, crunchy topping for the pasta.

6. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a little bit of pasta water to help combine everything if needed.

7. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
   Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the baccalà sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated with the flavorful sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

8. Assemble the Dish
   Divide the pasta into serving plates. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of the golden breadcrumbs and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

9. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve your pasta with baccalà immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy this delicious, hearty dish as the perfect celebration of Italian culinary traditions.

This Pasta with Salted Cod (Pasta con Baccalà) recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a traditional Italian meal. With tender pieces of baccalà, the rich flavor of the olive oil, the sharpness of the onions, and the zesty kick from the capers and olives, it’s a truly memorable dish. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful texture to every bite, making it a unique pasta experience.

Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish will surely impress your guests with its depth of flavor and the care that goes into its preparation. Enjoy your meal with a glass of crisp white wine, and indulge in the wonderful Italian tradition of baccalà!