cookbooks

No. 46. Baccala Alla Giardiniera (cod) Recipe

Baccala alla Giardiniera, also known as Cod with Garden Vegetables, is a delicious and hearty Italian dish that combines tender boiled cod or hake with a medley of carrots, turnips, and flavorful herbs. This dish traditionally hails from the Veneto region in Northeast Italy, where fish-based recipes are popular due to the region's proximity to the Adriatic Sea.

Fun Fact: Baccala alla Giardiniera is a classic example of cucina povera, which translates to "poor kitchen" in English. This style of cooking originated in Italy, where simple and affordable ingredients were used to create delicious and satisfying meals.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Baccala alla Giardiniera!

Ingredients:
- 1 pound of cod or hake fillets
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into small chunks
- 1 turnip, peeled and cut into small chunks
- 1 ounce of butter
- 1/2 cup of boiling water
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary), finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Gently lower the cod or hake fillets into the boiling water and cook them for about 10 minutes, or until they easily flake apart. Once cooked, carefully remove the fish from the water and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, break the fish into small flakes using a fork.

2. In another pot, add the carrot and turnip chunks and cover them with water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are partially cooked. Drain the vegetables and set them aside.

3. Heat the butter in a stewpan over medium heat. Once melted, add the partially cooked carrots and turnips to the pan. Stir them around to coat them evenly with the butter.

4. Add the boiling water to the stewpan, followed by a pinch of salt and the finely chopped herbs. Stir everything together.

5. Continue cooking the vegetables in the stewpan for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and tender. The flavors of the butter, water, and herbs will infuse into the vegetables, creating a delicious base for the dish.

6. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the flaked cod or hake to the stewpan. Gently fold the fish into the vegetables, being careful not to break the flakes apart too much.

7. Allow the fish and vegetables to cook together for a few more minutes, just until everything is heated through. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

8. Once everything is thoroughly heated, remove the stewpan from the heat and get ready to serve.

9. Baccala alla Giardiniera can be enjoyed on its own or as a main course. Serve it hot, and optionally garnish with additional fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.

Now, let's explore some similar recipe dishes to try:

1. Baccala Mantecato: This traditional Venetian dish features creamy whipped salted cod served on crostini. The cod is cooked, flaked, and then blended with olive oil, milk, garlic, and lemon juice until it reaches a light and fluffy consistency.

2. Brandade de Morue: Originating from the southern regions of France, this dish combines salted cod, potatoes, garlic, and olive oil. The mixture is typically pureed or mashed together until creamy, then served with crusty bread or as a filling for pastries.

3. Bacalhau à Brás: A popular Portuguese dish, Bacalhau à Brás combines salted cod with sautéed onions, thinly sliced potatoes, eggs, and olives. The dish is usually seasoned with black pepper and parsley and is often served as a main course.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes that can be made with salted cod or hake. Whether you choose to explore the flavors of Italy, France, or Portugal, you're in for a treat with these classic recipes!

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