Baccalà alla Livornese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approx. 320 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate (salted cod can vary in price)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main course
• Equipment Needed:
  • Large skillet or pan
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Baccalà alla Livornese   here

Ingredients

• 500g salted cod (baccalà), soaked overnight to remove salt
• 400g canned diced tomatoes (or fresh, if in season)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 50g black olives, pitted
• 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small chili pepper, chopped (optional for heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: White wine (1/2 cup) for extra depth of flavor

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Baccalà alla Livornese   here

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Baccalà

• The night before you plan to make this dish, soak the salted cod in cold water for 24-36 hours, changing the water every 6-8 hours to remove excess salt. This is essential to balance the flavors.

Step 2: Prep the Cod

• After soaking, drain the cod and pat it dry with a paper towel. Cut the fish into chunks about 2 inches wide. Tip: If you notice any bones, carefully remove them now.

Step 3: Start the Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and chili pepper (if using), and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

• Stir in the diced tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. If you want to enhance the sauce’s flavor, pour in 1/2 cup of white wine and let it simmer until the alcohol evaporates (about 3 minutes).
• Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cook the Cod

• Place the cod chunks into the tomato sauce, making sure they’re covered. Gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through. Be careful, as baccalà is delicate and can break apart easily.

Step 6: Add Olives and Capers

• About 5 minutes before the cod is done, stir in the capers and olives. This adds a burst of briny flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Step 7: Final Touches

• Once the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations and Tips

1. Vegetarian Option: If you’re catering to vegetarians, you can substitute the baccalà with firm tofu or roasted cauliflower. While it won’t be the same traditional taste, the tomato, olive, and caper sauce is robust enough to stand on its own.
2. Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re serving it with bread, choose a gluten-free option to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
3. Adding Vegetables: For a heartier version, consider adding sliced bell peppers or zucchini to the tomato sauce during the simmering stage. This adds more texture and nutrients.
4. For Extra Richness: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving to give the sauce a luxurious finish.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 14g (mostly from olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg (varies based on soaking time for the cod)

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Too Salty?: If you find the dish too salty, the soaking time for the cod might not have been long enough. Soak it longer next time or rinse more thoroughly.
2. Thin Sauce?: If your sauce seems too watery, let it cook uncovered a bit longer to reduce. You can also add a teaspoon of tomato paste to thicken it faster.
3. Breaking Cod: If your cod falls apart too easily, try searing it in a separate pan before adding it to the sauce next time. This gives it a bit more structure.

Final Notes

This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something both comforting and sophisticated. The ingredients are simple, but the result is incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re making it for yourself or impressing guests, Baccalà alla Livornese never disappoints.