Baccalà Mantecato Recipe Guide

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Baccala Mantecato

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Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Medium-sized bowl
• Pot for boiling
• Food processor or hand mixer
• Slotted spoon
• Serving dish
• Crostini or bread for serving

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 500 g about 1 pound of salt cod (baccalà)
• 100 ml about ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1-2 cloves of garlic minced (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
• Black pepper to taste
• Optional: capers or olives for garnish

Instructions

 

• Method
• Soak the Salt Cod:
• Begin by rinsing the salt cod under cold water to remove excess salt.
• Place the cod in a large bowl and cover it with cold water. Soak for 24-48 hours, changing the water every 8 hours. This process will soften the fish and remove most of the salt. (From my own personal experience, I recommend soaking for at least 48 hours for the best results.)
• Cook the Cod:
• After soaking, drain the cod and place it in a pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the fish is tender and flakes easily with a fork.
• Once cooked, remove the cod from the pot and let it cool slightly.
• Prepare the Mixture:
• In a food processor, combine the cooked cod, chopped onion, garlic (if using), lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper.
• Blend until smooth while gradually adding the olive oil until you achieve a creamy consistency.
• Taste and Adjust:
• Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as necessary. You can add more lemon juice or olive oil according to your preference.
• Serve:
• Transfer the Baccalà Mantecato to a serving dish. Drizzle with extra olive oil, and garnish with fresh parsley and optional capers or olives.
• Serve with crostini or slices of crusty bread for dipping.
• Variations
• Herbed Version: Add fresh herbs like dill or chives for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the cod with a mix of cooked chickpeas and a touch of seaweed for a plant-based alternative.

Baccalà Mantecato is a classic Venetian dish that celebrates the rich flavors of salt cod, creating a creamy and flavorful spread that’s perfect for serving with crostini or as part of an antipasto platter. This dish has a unique history and is a beloved part of Italian cuisine, especially in the northern regions. If you’ve ever been curious about making this delightful dish at home, let me show you how I make Baccalà Mantecato.

Notes on What to Expect

When preparing Baccalà Mantecato, expect a creamy, rich texture with a delicate flavor profile. The soaking process may seem lengthy, but it’s essential for balancing the saltiness of the fish. The result is a delightful spread that will impress your family and friends.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (soaking not included)
• Time to Stand: 2 hours (soaking time)
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
• Cuisine: Italian (Venetian)
• Course: Antipasto/Starter

Equipment Needed

• Medium-sized bowl
• Pot for boiling
• Food processor or hand mixer
• Slotted spoon
• Serving dish
• Crostini or bread for serving
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Baccalà Mantecato  now.

Ingredients

• 500g (about 1 pound) of salt cod (baccalà)
• 100ml (about ½ cup) of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Black pepper to taste
• Optional: capers or olives for garnish
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Baccalà Mantecato  now.

Method

1. Soak the Salt Cod:
   • Begin by rinsing the salt cod under cold water to remove excess salt.
   • Place the cod in a large bowl and cover it with cold water. Soak for 24-48 hours, changing the water every 8 hours. This process will soften the fish and remove most of the salt. (From my own personal experience, I recommend soaking for at least 48 hours for the best results.)
2. Cook the Cod:
   • After soaking, drain the cod and place it in a pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the fish is tender and flakes easily with a fork.
   • Once cooked, remove the cod from the pot and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Mixture:
   • In a food processor, combine the cooked cod, chopped onion, garlic (if using), lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper.
   • Blend until smooth while gradually adding the olive oil until you achieve a creamy consistency.
4. Taste and Adjust:
   • Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as necessary. You can add more lemon juice or olive oil according to your preference.
5. Serve:
   • Transfer the Baccalà Mantecato to a serving dish. Drizzle with extra olive oil, and garnish with fresh parsley and optional capers or olives.
   • Serve with crostini or slices of crusty bread for dipping.

Variations

• Herbed Version: Add fresh herbs like dill or chives for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the cod with a mix of cooked chickpeas and a touch of seaweed for a plant-based alternative.
• Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Baccalà Mantecato  now.

Tips and Substitutions

• If you can’t find salt cod, look for other types of preserved fish that may offer a similar texture.
• For a quicker version, some stores sell pre-soaked and ready-to-cook salt cod.
• If you have dietary restrictions, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free bread.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

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