Bagna cauda is a classic Mediterranean dish made from assorted fresh vegetables, and warm ingredients, such as green cabbage, radicchio, endives, radishes, roasted bell peppers, fennel, carrots, and steamed asparagus, with hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes. The vegetables are served with a sauce made from olive oil, unsalted butter, anchovy fillets, and chopped garlic. The sauce is heated in a small saucepan for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the anchovies melt and create a sauce. The butter is added and stirred with a wooden spoon to blend the sauce. The sauce is then poured into a serving bowl or fondue pot and served with assorted vegetables for dipping and bread to mop up every delicious drop. Bagna Cauda is a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for serving at parties.
Eating is one of life's most sensual and satisfying pleasures, and trying new foods is a delicious adventure to experience.
Green cabbage
Radicchio
Endives
Radishes
Fennel
Carrots
Roasted bell peppers
Steamed asparagus
Hard-boiled eggs
Boiled potatoes
3/4 cup olive oil
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
12 anchovy fillets
6 large garlic cloves, chopped
A few slices of warm crusty bread
In a small saucepan, cook the olive oil, garlic, and anchovies for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The anchovies will melt and create a sauce.
Next, add the butter and stir with a wooden spoon to blend the sauce.
Pour the mixture into a serving bowl or fondue pot and serve with the assorted vegetables and bread for dipping.
Bagna cauda may seem dull with merely an assortment of vegetables and a sauce, but the combination of flavors is anything but boring. This dish is a perfect example of how simple fresh ingredients come together to create a symphony.
Bagna Cauda may be an acquired taste, but it is a dream if you love garlic and butter and are willing to try anchovies. And it is so incredibly healthy with all the nutrients that garlic and anchovies provide. Even butter offers valuable vitamins and nutrients, and it's healthier than the chemicals found in processed condiments.
A Bagna Cauda dinner is an exciting feast for children when you serve some of their favorite foods and new flavors to try.
You can find a small, easy-to-clean fondue pot here. They are worth the investment for Bagna Cauda, cheese fondue, and chocolate fondue for dessert.
Related posts, "What is Good Food? Defining Quality and Flavor."
