Best Easy Polenta e Baccalà Recipe

Creamy polenta paired with stewed salt cod is a traditional Veneto family dish. This high protein mediterranean classic is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and offers a healthy, hearty dinner.

Cook 80 min Difficulty NORMAL 355 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • dried salt cod (baccalà) 18 oz
  • polenta cornmeal 1 cup
  • whole milk 2 cups
  • water 2 cups
  • unsalted butter 2 tbsp
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
  • garlic 3 cloves
  • fresh parsley 2 tbsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 38 g 43%
Protein 26 g 29%
Fat 9 g 23%
Serving size 280g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    1. Soak the dried salt cod in cold water for at least 24 hours, changing the water every 8 hours to remove excess salt. Drain thoroughly before cooking.

  2. 2

    2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute, careful not to brown.

  3. 3

    3. Place the soaked salt cod into the skillet, add black pepper, and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, turning occasionally. Add 1 tbsp olive oil if needed for extra moisture. Stir in fresh parsley just before finishing.

  4. 4

    4. In a saucepan, bring milk and water to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Lower heat to a very gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring frequently until thick and creamy.

  5. 5

    5. Remove polenta from heat, stir in unsalted butter for richness, and spoon creamy polenta onto serving plates. Top with the stewed baccalà mixture and garnish with reserved parsley. Serve hot for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The signature components are dried salt cod (baccalà), which provides the dish's distinct savory flavor and high protein content, and polenta cornmeal, which creates a creamy base with gentle sweetness. Olive oil and fresh parsley round out the classic Veneto flavor profile.
Q. What is the most important cooking step for perfect baccalà?
Soaking salt cod thoroughly is vital, as it removes excess salt and rehydrates the fish for tender results. Sautéing the onion and garlic gently over medium heat, then simmering the cod ensures a delicate texture without drying out the fish.
Q. How do I prevent my polenta from becoming lumpy or too thick?
To achieve smooth, creamy polenta, slowly whisk the cornmeal into simmering milk and water while stirring constantly. Keep the heat gentle and stir frequently; adding butter at the end improves both texture and flavor.
Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving contains 355 kcal, 26g of protein, and 38g of carbs. The protein makes up 29% and carbs 43% of the total caloric contribution, making this recipe a high-protein Mediterranean option.
Q. What are the main sources of healthy fats in Polenta e Baccalà?
The healthy fat content comes primarily from olive oil and the unsalted butter added to the polenta, delivering Mediterranean richness and omega-3s from the salt cod. The fat is 9g per serving, or about 23% of total calories.
AI 채팅 아이콘