Baccalà in Agrodolce: Sweet and Sour Cod Recipe

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Baccalà in Agrodolce

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Large skillet, cutting board, knife, measuring cups, and spoons.

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the Fish:
• 1 lb 450g salted cod (baccalà), soaked for at least 24 hours in cold water, changing the water several times
• ½ cup 120ml olive oil
• 1 onion thinly sliced
• 1 carrot thinly sliced
• 1 celery stalk thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup 240ml white wine vinegar
• ¼ cup 50g brown sugar
• ½ cup 120ml water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Method
• Step 1: Prepare the Cod
• Soak the Cod: If you haven’t already, soak the salted cod in cold water for 24 to 48 hours, changing the water every 8 hours to reduce the saltiness.
• Rinse and Cut: After soaking, rinse the cod under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and cut into serving-sized pieces.
• Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
• Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add Vegetables: Add the sliced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
• Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Step 3: Cook the Cod
• Add Cod to Skillet: Place the pieces of cod in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
• Flip the Cod: Carefully turn the cod pieces over and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Create the Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the white wine vinegar, brown sugar, and water until the sugar is dissolved.
• Pour Over Cod: Pour the vinegar mixture over the cod in the skillet.
• Simmer: Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Serve
• Garnish: Once cooked, transfer the cod to a serving platter. Drizzle the sauce and vegetables over the top and garnish with chopped parsley.
• Let It Stand: For the best flavor, let the dish stand for about an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Variations
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the cod with firm tofu for a plant-based version.
• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture while sautéing.

Baccalà in Agrodolce, or sweet and sour cod, is a traditional Italian dish that showcases the delightful flavors of salted cod, combined with the tangy sweetness of vinegar and sugar. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of flavors and is an excellent option for family gatherings or special occasions. From my own personal experience, the first time I tried this dish, I was surprised at how well the sweet and sour elements complemented the fish. Let me show you how I make this delicious dish step by step.

Notes on What to Expect

You can expect a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors that complement the richness of the cod. The dish is best enjoyed with crusty bread or alongside a light salad.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 1 hour (optional, for marinating)
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including standing)
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $20 (varies by location)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Equipment Needed: Large skillet, cutting board, knife, measuring cups, and spoons.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Baccala in Agrodolce   here.

Ingredients

• For the Fish:
  • 1 lb (450g) salted cod (baccalà), soaked for at least 24 hours in cold water, changing the water several times
  • ½ cup (120ml) olive oil
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) white wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Baccala in Agrodolce   here.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

1. Soak the Cod: If you haven’t already, soak the salted cod in cold water for 24 to 48 hours, changing the water every 8 hours to reduce the saltiness.
2. Rinse and Cut: After soaking, rinse the cod under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and cut into serving-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Cod

1. Add Cod to Skillet: Place the pieces of cod in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
2. Flip the Cod: Carefully turn the cod pieces over and cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Sweet and Sour Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the white wine vinegar, brown sugar, and water until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Pour Over Cod: Pour the vinegar mixture over the cod in the skillet.
3. Simmer: Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Once cooked, transfer the cod to a serving platter. Drizzle the sauce and vegetables over the top and garnish with chopped parsley.
2. Let It Stand: For the best flavor, let the dish stand for about an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the cod with firm tofu for a plant-based version.
• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture while sautéing.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Baccala in Agrodolce   here.

Tips

• Soaking Time: Ensure you plan ahead for the soaking time of the cod to remove excess salt.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance and served cold or at room temperature for a different experience.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on your vinegar and other packaged ingredients.
• Sugar-Free: You can use a sugar substitute if desired, but adjust according to the substitute’s sweetness level.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

I hope this guide has made making Baccalà in Agrodolce seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!