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Baccalà Mantecato

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Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Pot
• Blender or food processor
• Bowl
• Fork
• Serving platter

Ingredients

  

• Salted cod baccalà: 300g
• Olive oil: 100ml extra virgin recommended
• Garlic: 1 clove minced (optional)
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Black pepper: to taste
• Chopped parsley: for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Soak the Cod
• Rinse the Salted Cod: Start by rinsing the salted cod under cold running water to remove excess salt. This is crucial to avoid an overly salty dish.
• Soak the Cod: Place the rinsed cod in a bowl and cover it with cold water. Soak it for at least 24 hours, changing the water a few times. This process will soften the fish and make it less salty.
• Step 2: Cook the Cod
• Boil the Cod: After soaking, drain the cod and place it in a pot. Cover it with fresh water and bring it to a boil.
• Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the fish is tender and flakes easily with a fork.
• Step 3: Prepare the Spread
• Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the cod and allow it to cool slightly. Remove any skin and bones.
• Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked cod, minced garlic (if using), lemon juice, and half of the olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too thick, gradually add more olive oil until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
• Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper and more lemon juice if needed.
• Step 4: Serve
• Presentation: Transfer the Baccalà Mantecato to a serving platter. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
• Pairing Suggestions: Serve it with crostini, fresh vegetables, or even as a filling in pasta dishes.
• Variations
• Herbed Baccalà: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Version: Mix in some chili flakes or chopped chili for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the cod with mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian spread.

If you’re looking to impress your friends and family with a unique Italian dish, look no further than Baccalà Mantecato. This creamy spread made from salted cod is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be enjoyed as a dip, a spread on crostini, or a filling for pasta. From my own personal experience, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser, and let me show you how I make it.

What to Expect

When making Baccalà Mantecato, you can expect a smooth, creamy, and rich flavor with a hint of ocean freshness from the cod. The balance of olive oil and lemon juice provides a delightful contrast, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s an impressive dish that’s simple to prepare, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it for a cozy dinner at home, Baccalà Mantecato is a dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your table. Enjoy.

Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Time to Stand: 30 minutes (for soaking the cod)
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $15-$20
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Appetizer or main dish
• Equipment Needed:
  • Pot
  • Blender or food processor
  • Bowl
  • Fork
  • Serving platter
  • Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #baccalamantecato here 

Ingredients

• Salted cod (baccalà): 300g
• Olive oil: 100ml (extra virgin recommended)
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced (optional)
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Black pepper: to taste
• Chopped parsley: for garnish (optional)
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #baccalamantecato here 

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Cod

1. Rinse the Salted Cod: Start by rinsing the salted cod under cold running water to remove excess salt. This is crucial to avoid an overly salty dish.
2. Soak the Cod: Place the rinsed cod in a bowl and cover it with cold water. Soak it for at least 24 hours, changing the water a few times. This process will soften the fish and make it less salty.

Step 2: Cook the Cod

1. Boil the Cod: After soaking, drain the cod and place it in a pot. Cover it with fresh water and bring it to a boil.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the fish is tender and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 3: Prepare the Spread

1. Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the cod and allow it to cool slightly. Remove any skin and bones.
2. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked cod, minced garlic (if using), lemon juice, and half of the olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too thick, gradually add more olive oil until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
4. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper and more lemon juice if needed.

Step 4: Serve

1. Presentation: Transfer the Baccalà Mantecato to a serving platter. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
2. Pairing Suggestions: Serve it with crostini, fresh vegetables, or even as a filling in pasta dishes.

Variations

• Herbed Baccalà: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Version: Mix in some chili flakes or chopped chili for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the cod with mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian spread.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #baccalamantecato here 

Tips and Substitutions

• Dietary Needs: This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free diets by serving it with gluten-free crackers or vegetables.
• Sustainability: Look for sustainably sourced cod if you’re concerned about environmental impact.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more over time.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 800mg (adjust based on the soaking process)

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too Salty: If the spread turns out too salty, mix in a bit of cream cheese to balance the flavors.
• Too Thick: If your spread is too thick, simply add more olive oil or a splash of water to loosen it up.