Best Easy Baccalà alla Livornese Recipe

Salt cod stewed with tomatoes, olives, and capers in the Livorno style. This high protein mediterranean family dinner is fresh, flavorful, and supports a dash diet or lower cholesterol plan.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 268 kcal
#mediterranean #DASH #high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • salt cod (baccalà), soaked and drained 1.5 lbs
  • yellow onion, sliced 1 pieces
  • garlic cloves, minced 3 cloves
  • canned whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand 1 28 oz can
  • pitted black olives 0.75 cup
  • capers, rinsed 2 tbsp
  • fresh parsley, chopped 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra-virgin olive oil 3 tbsp
  • freshly ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 13 g 19%
Protein 34 g 51%
Fat 7 g 23%
Serving size 260g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7–8 minutes until soft and translucent with a hint of golden caramelization.

  2. 2

    Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.

  3. 3

    Stir in the crushed tomatoes along with their juices, olives, and rinsed capers. Raise heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle simmer.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to maintain a lively but gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

  5. 5

    Nestle the soaked baccalà pieces into the sauce in a single layer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes, flipping the fish once halfway, until the cod flakes easily but remains moist.

  6. 6

    Season with black pepper to taste. Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, and let rest 3 minutes before serving. Spoon sauce over each piece for extra flavor.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Baccalà alla Livornese recipe?
The star ingredient is soaked salt cod, or baccalà, which provides the dish's characteristic flaky texture and savory depth. Combined with tomatoes, olives, and capers, it creates the classic Livornese flavor profile everyone loves.
Q. Which step is most important for perfect texture in this dish?
Gently simmering the baccalà in the thickened tomato sauce over low heat ensures the cod stays tender and moist. Flipping it once and monitoring doneness are essential to avoid overcooking or drying out the fish.
Q. How can I prevent the cod from overcooking or becoming tough?
Use low heat once the fish is added and cover the pan. Cook just until the cod flakes easily with a fork—usually 15 to 18 minutes. Flipping once and letting it rest before serving will help maintain the perfect moist texture.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?
Each 260g serving delivers about 268 kcal and is high in protein at 34g per portion. This accounts for 51% protein, making it a substantial and balanced family meal.
Q. Is this Baccalà alla Livornese suitable for Mediterranean or DASH diets?
Yes, the ingredient list emphasizes olive oil, tomatoes, olives, capers, and lean salt cod, all aligned with both Mediterranean and DASH diet principles. The recipe is also low in saturated fat and emphasizes fresh, heart-healthy flavors.
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