Best Easy Baccalà alla Vicentina Recipe

Salt cod slow-cooked in milk and olive oil, Vicenza's beloved traditional family dish. This high protein mediterranean classic is rich in omega-3s and supports a healthy, lower cholesterol diet.

Cook 180 min Difficulty NORMAL 380 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • salt cod (baccalà), soaked 2 lbs
  • yellow onion, thinly sliced 1 large
  • whole milk 2 cups
  • anchovy fillets 4 pieces
  • fresh parsley, chopped 0.25 cup
  • all-purpose flour 0.5 cup
  • golden raisins 0.25 cup
  • pine nuts 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 1 cup
  • garlic, minced 3 cloves
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 11 g 12%
Protein 29 g 31%
Fat 23 g 57%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat the soaked salt cod thoroughly dry, remove any bones and skin, and cut into large pieces (about 2 inches).

  2. 2

    Dust the cod pieces lightly with the flour, shaking off excess for an even coating.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat; add sliced onions and cook gently for 10 minutes until soft and translucent, avoiding browning.

  4. 4

    Add the minced garlic, anchovy fillets, raisins, pine nuts, and half the parsley; stir and cook for 2 minutes so the anchovies dissolve and the aroma intensifies.

  5. 5

    Layer the cod over the onion mixture, keeping pieces snug but not overlapping; pour in the milk and drizzle the rest of the olive oil evenly on top.

  6. 6

    Season with black pepper (the salt cod is already salty), cover with a tight lid, and cook on the lowest heat possible for about 2–2.5 hours without stirring; gently swirl the pot occasionally to prevent sticking.

  7. 7

    After 2 hours, the sauce should be rich and slightly thickened, and the cod flaky but intact. Sprinkle remaining parsley before serving.

  8. 8

    Serve warm with polenta or crusty bread, spooning sauce and topping from the pot over each portion.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining element of Baccalà alla Vicentina is salt cod (baccalà), which supplies both a unique flavor and the dish's high protein content. When slow-cooked, it becomes tender and absorbs the savoriness of the anchovies, milk, and olive oil.
Q. How do I control cooking heat to prevent burning?
Cook the dish on the lowest possible heat with a heavy-bottomed pot and a tight-fitting lid. Avoid stirring—gently swirl the pot instead. This careful heat management prevents sticking and ensures the salt cod stays moist and succulent.
Q. How do I ensure the cod stays moist and doesn't fall apart?
Use thick pieces of soaked salt cod and keep the heat very low. Layer the fish without overlapping and avoid stirring during simmering. Gentle heat and minimal movement preserve moisture and keep the fish flakes intact.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving contains about 380 kcal, 29g protein (31% of calories), 11g carbohydrates (12%), and 23g fat (57%). The protein-to-carb ratio is almost 3:1, making it an excellent option for those emphasizing protein intake in a Mediterranean diet.
AI 채팅 아이콘