Bagna Cauda
Bagna Cauda (pronounced roughly "banya cowda") is an Italian dish that translates to ‘hot bath.’ In Piedmont, eating bagna cauda is a fall and winter ritual, commonly accompanied by a fresh, young Barbera wine. This ‘hot bath’ dish is so-called because the mixture of garlic and anchovies is traditionally kept warm in a chafing dish or fondue pot.
Bagna cauda sauce is served with small pieces of assorted vegetables for dipping and crusty bread to catch the drips. Among the possible vegetables are raw Jerusalem artichokes, cardoons, bell peppers, carrots, spinach, green onions or celery; cooked potatoes; roasted onions or beets; and blanched cauliflower or broccoli. Some cooks prefer to simmer the garlic first in a little milk to tame the flavor. The cloves are then mashed to a paste and mixed with the anchovies, olive oil and butter.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 8 to 10 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
- 12 anchovy fillets
- 4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- About 8 cups trimmed, cut-up vegetables (see
note above) - Slices of coarse country bread for serving
Directions
Step 1. Combine the Olive Oil, Garlic and Anchovies
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the olive oil, garlic and anchovies.
Step 2. Cook the Anchovies
Cook, mashing the anchovies with the back of a wooden spoon, until smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter.
Step 3. Serve
Pour the mixture into a warmed chafing dish or fondue pot set over a warming candle or spirit lamp. Serve immediately with vegetables for dipping. Pass the bread slices at the table. Serves 6 to 8.