Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Bagna Cauda









If there's one dish that's typical of Italy's Piedmont region, it's bagna cauda, sometimes spelled "caôda." Although bagna means "bath" in the Italian language, in the Piemontese dialect, it means sauce; hence bagna caudo translates to "warm sauce." Along with a glass or two of wine, it's the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter months. The origins of the dish are a mystery, but it was traditionally served by winemakers in the late Middle ages after they poured their wine into barrels. It remained as "cucina povera" or "peasant food" for a long time, but nowadays, restaurants all over Piedmont include this on their menus, including Antica Bruschetteria Pautasso in Torino, where I recently ate this lusty dish. It arrives at the table with two earthenware bowls -- one with a candle below that helps keep it at just the right temperature, as you ladle more in from the crock in which it's cooked.


The basic ingredients are olive oil, anchovies, garlic and butter, while some versions add milk or cream as well. If you're feeling really decadent and your pocketbook allows, you can shave some truffles on top. In that case, you've surely elevated it above cucina povera. Gather your friends around the table since it's a dish to enjoy with others before the main course, or just as an excuse to sit together and talk. Serve with crisp, raw vegetables, such as fennel, carrots, celery, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower and wedges of cabbage. 


If you do find yourself at Antica Bruschetteria Pautasso in Torino, order the bagna cauda, and a dish of tajarin (Piemontese dialect for taglierini pasta) made with sausage and leeks. Just looking at the photo makes me long to be back in Torino. 






Bagna Caôda

printable recipe here

From "The Classic Italian Cookbook" by Marcella Hazan



3/4 cup olive oil

3 T. butter

2 tsp. finely chopped garlic

8 to 10 flat anchovy fillets, chopped

1 tsp. salt






1. Heat oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat until butter is thoroughly liquified and barely begins to foam. (Don't wait for the foam to subside or the butter will be too hot.) Add the garlic and sauté very briefly. It must not take on any color. Add the anchovies and cook over very low heat, stirring frequently, until the anchovies dissolve into a paste. Add the salt, stir, and bring to the table along with raw vegetables.

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16 comments:

  1. L'hai preparata benissimo e ha un aspetto delizioso! :D Complimenti di cuore e un bacione grande!

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  2. This dip is so delicious! A great speciality.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  3. It shows how taste memories can become confused and intertwined since in recent years I have mistakenly thought this was from a different cuisine. No matter what it sure is delicious and serving it in a warmed crock is inspired.

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  4. I usually make this over the holidays (telling myself a lot of vegetables are called for in-between cookie bites). Such an elegant and comforting way to enjoy crudites. Amazing that it was/is peasant food.

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  5. I have enjoyed this dip in restaurants but have never made it at home. And I won't feel guilty about it when it is served with a plate of fresh veggies. Isn't it wonderful how certain foods bring back special memories?

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  6. For me, it's all about the anchovies. They add such a depth of flavor.

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  7. Beautiful! And thanks for the info! My, but you do showcase some wonderful regional foods. I can't wait to see what is coming next.

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  8. mi piace la bagna cauda e vorrei essere lì e gustarla ! Buona giornata Linda, un bacione....

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  9. Every year at Christmas, my sister always includes a tin of good anchovies with my prezzies. Since I'm the only true anchovy lover in the house, I've hoarded a stash now. Time to break them out and make some bagna cauda.

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  10. I love bagna cauda, Henry's mom used to make it with celery and cauliflower to dip. I wonder why Mario Batali adds milk to his recipe? I guess there are many different versions. Have to make some soon!

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  11. Linda, ma sei in Italia perchè non ti fai sentire ? Mi piacerebbe mooltissimo
    Un abbraccio
    Dani

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  12. I made bagna cauda years ago when I was starting to feel adventurous in the kitchen. I've forgotten about it for too long! I remember how delicious it was now.

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  13. This sounds like it would be great on a crusty piece of bread too. So delish!

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  14. My husband's family is from Piemonte so every winter we enjoy bagna cauda. You present it so beautifully! Mmmmm, makes my mouthwater!

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  15. So simple, yet so fabulous! Adding truffles to the Bagna Cauda sounds divine.

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  16. I adore bagna cauda, although sadly I've never tried it on its home turf. This post reminds me that I haven't yet made it this winter. I'll need to correct that omission immediately!

    By the way, I am struck by how thick looking the bagna cauda in the picture is. Is that due to the quantity of anchovies or perhaps a bit of bread?

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