Baccalà alla Vicentina

Priprava

Sestavine

Postopek

Korak za korakom

1. 1

   If using dried salt cod, ensure it has been properly desalted by soaking it in cold water for 2-3 days, changing the water every 8-12 hours.

   Kuharjeva opomba: The salt cod should feel soft and pliable after soaking.

2. 2

   Drain the desalted cod, remove any remaining bones and skin, then cut it into approximately 4-5 cm pieces.

   Približno 10 min

   Kuharjeva opomba: You can ask your fishmonger to prepare the cod for you.

3. 3

   In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.

   Približno 2 min

4. 4

   Add the chopped yellow onion and cook gently for about 15-20 minutes, until it is very soft and translucent but not browned.

   Približno 20 min

   Kuharjeva opomba: Cooking the onion slowly is crucial for developing sweetness and flavor.

5. 5

   Stir in the minced garlic and mashed anchovy fillets, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

   Približno 3 min

   Kuharjeva opomba: The anchovies will dissolve and add a savory depth without making the dish taste fishy.

6. 6

   Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion mixture and stir well to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

   Približno 2 min

   Kuharjeva opomba: This helps thicken the sauce slightly.

7. 7

   Arrange the pieces of cod over the onion mixture in a single layer if possible.

   Približno 2 min

8. 8

   Pour the warm milk over the cod, ensuring it is mostly submerged; add a splash more if needed.

   Približno 1 min

   Kuharjeva opomba: Warm milk prevents the cod from seizing up.

9. 9

   Add about half of the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the chopped fresh parsley to the pot.

   Približno 1 min

10. 10

    Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting.

    Približno 5 min

11. 11

    Cover the pot and cook for at least 3-4 hours, stirring very occasionally and gently, until the cod is incredibly tender and flakes easily and the sauce has thickened.

    Približno 4 h

    Kuharjeva opomba: The longer and slower it cooks, the better the texture and flavor. The cod should almost melt in your mouth.

12. 12

    Carefully remove the cod pieces, then gently flake them with a fork, returning any skin or bones to the pot if they were not removed earlier.

    Približno 5 min

    Kuharjeva opomba: The goal is to create a creamy, almost spreadable consistency for the cod within the sauce.

13. 13

    Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

    Približno 30 min

    Kuharjeva opomba: The sauce should be rich and creamy, not watery.

14. 14

    Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

    Približno 1 min

15. 15

    Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the cod's natural saltiness and the anchovies.

    Približno 1 min

    Kuharjeva opomba: Taste before adding more salt.

16. 16

    Serve hot, traditionally with soft polenta.