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Baccalà alla lucana

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Basilicata, Italy, lies a hidden culinary delight – Baccalà alla Lucana. This traditional dish was born out of frugality, but it packs a flavourful punch that leaves whatever lucky diner feasting upon it in awe.

Baccalà alla lucana


The base of this delectable dish is salted cod. This pungent staple was often seen as a budget-friendly option for those living in rural parts of the region, and was wholly embraced over time to become a local favourite. The saltiness is contrasted with the sweetness of tomatoes, olives, and capers, and then finished off with a hearty helping of garlic and parsley. Together, these ingredients create an umami-level complexity of tastes, which makes Baccalà alla Lucana a luxurious treat that can make a simple meal seem extraordinary.

The ingredients are usually cooked slowly in a pan until the fish is just cooked through, the vegetables beginning to break down, and the sauce thickens. This allows the bold flavour of each component of the meal to come through and blend harmoniously with the others. To complete the plate, a sprinkle of fresh oregano is added, adding a zing of freshness and another layer of flavour to the final product.

Baccalà alla Lucana is a pleasure to eat and to prepare – while the recipe requires several steps, the final taste makes all of the effort seem tiny in comparison. It’s an indulgence that can be enjoyed well-worthily, celebrated comfortably at the dinner table, and treasured afterward in memory. Ultimately, Baccalà alla Lucana is a classic Italian bowl of comfort food, sure to satisfy even the most refined of tastes.

The origin of Baccalà alla lucana

Ah, the beloved Baccalà alla lucana! A veritable Italian staple, it's a dish that has been part of countless family suppers and special occasions for many generations. Its origins are steeped in lore, but one thing is for certain: its deliciousness knows no bounds!

To some, the etymology of Baccalà alla lucana may be enigmatic. How did it come about? While facts about its origin can only be conjectured, many trace its roots back over five centuries and attribute it to a lone fisherman from the region of Basilicata, located in southern Italy. It is said that this fisherman, astutely aware of the seasonal availability of salted codfish or baccalà, created a humble but ingenious combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, capers, olives, and parsley to pair with the fillets. As legend has it, the combination was so delicious that it quickly rose to popularity across the region, becoming an undeniable classic – now enjoyed by people far and wide in its present-day incarnation.

What sets Baccalà alla lucana apart from other fish dishes is the particularity of its ingredients and the method of cooking. This dish uniquely utilizes the flavors of the Mediterranean sea, which evoke reminiscences of sun-kissed days spent by the coast – making for an incredibly palatable experience. Similarly, the way in which the cod fillets are cooked – boiling them in a bed of fresh tomato sauce – allows for their subtle flavor to be preserved; the true essence of the secret recipe remains preserved in every bite.

Though Baccalà alla lucana is a centuries-old dish, it has remained an enduring favorite of Italians and others alike. There's something truly special about this dish – its rich history, unique combination of flavors, and timelessness ensure that it will remain an ageless classic for years to come.

Types of Baccalà alla lucana

Baccalà alla Lucana is a traditional Italian dish from Lucania (the area now known as Basilicata) that showcases salted codfish in all its savory goodness. Buttery potatoes, zesty tomatoes, and aromatic garlic combine to make this incredibly flavorful dish truly unique.

When it comes to Italian cuisine, one of the signature dishes is certainly Baccalà alla Lucana. This centuries-old recipe uses dried and salted cod which has been soaked in fresh water overnight. The resulting product is moist, succulent, and flaky - perfect for creating an easy, tasty dish.

The classic dish features potatoes cooked with the fish and served with a simple tomato sauce. The potatoes are cubed and cooked with the cod until they’re golden and crisp on the outside, while remaining creamy and fluffy on the inside. The tomato sauce adds a delightful citrusy flavor, creating a flavorful balance with the savory fish and potatoes. To add a touch of piquancy and fragrance, garlic is used to finish off the dish.

Baccalà alla Lucana can be made with a few simple ingredients, allowing for some versatility when cooking. For example, some recipes call for olives or capers to be added to the tomato sauce for an even zestier flavor. Others use scallions or parsley to add an extra kick of flavor. Some even choose to add a splash of white wine to their sauce for a more complex flavor. No matter what combination you choose, this delicious dish is sure to satisfy any palate.

If you’re looking to get creative, the possibilities with Baccalà alla Lucana are endless. Some chefs choose to switch out the potatoes with other vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant, or opt for using different types of fish instead of the traditional cod. Additionally, many cooks choose to top their dish with cheese to give it an extra cheesy finish.

No matter what variation you choose, Baccalà alla Lucana will always be a delicious and hearty meal. With its easy preparation and delicious flavors, this centuries-old recipe is a classic that everyone should try.