Uncle Vincents Christmas Eve Baccala Recipes

BACCALA ALLA ROMANA

Steps:

• Be sure to soak the fish for 2 days in fresh water. Change water every 5 hours. Begin by soaking the raisins in tepid water and toasting the pine nuts until golden. Cut the fish into 2 large fillets. Place a large pan over a medium flame, add the olive oil and cook fish until it begins to brown. At this point add the onion, garlic, and chili. When tender add the chopped tomatoes and cook about 10 minutes. Gently remove the fish and add the raisins, pine nuts, and a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the tomatoes. Serve the fish with ample sauce while hot.;

BACCALA SALAD

Steps:

• Soak cod for 2 to 3 days, refrigerated, changing water regularly. In large pot, bring 6 quarts of water to a boil, add cod and cook until fish breaks off easily. Strain and cool. After it cools, remove skin and bones, if there are any, and break into bite size pieces. In medium saute pan heat oil and saute garlic for 2 to 3 minutes. Cool.
• In a bowl, add cod, pour oil and garlic over, add lemon juice, peppers, olives, capers, parsley and salt and pepper, to taste. Place in serving platter and serve at room temperature.

ENSALADA DE NOCHE BUENA (CHRISTMAS EVE)

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt, and cilantro. Set aside. Wash and dry lettuce leaves and then shred. Arrange the lettuce on the bottom of a glass bowl and then layer beets and fruit on top of lettuce, it can be mixed, although, doesn't have to be. Top with peanuts and pour the dressing over the salad.

CHRISTMAS EVE BACCALA (SALT COD WITH POTATOES & TOMATOES)

Steps:

• PREPARE THE BACCALA: Three days before cooking, place the pieces of dried cod (baccala) in a large pan, cover with cold water, and refrigerate. (Do yourself a favor and cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap AND aluminum foil, or your refrigerator will be filled with a very strong fishy smell!) Soak for 3 days to remove the salt. Turn the pieces of fish occasionally and change the water every 6 to 8 hours. By the third day, the cod will be plump, soft, fleshy, and well hydrated. Rinse under cold water and pat dry. The baccala is now ready for the recipe. (This is NOT part of the preparation time listed in the recipe).
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Remove any skin and bones from the fish, dry with paper towels, and cut into 6 pieces.
• Grease a 9x12-inch-deep oven-proof dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Layer with half the potatoes, half the onions, half the cod, and half the tomatoes. Sprinkle with half the parsley.
• Add the raisins, toasted pignoli, capers, olives, and the rest of the potatoes, onions and cod. Pour in the rest of the tomatoes with the juices. Season with the salt, pepper, and the remaining parsley. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top and bake, uncovered, for 45 to 50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
• Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve in soup bowls.
• Remember, on Christmas Eve, this is only one of, at least, seven fish or seafood dishes that are to follow in the same meal. This recipe serves 6, as a part of a larger meal. If you are making only this recipe, you will probably want to double or triple it.
• Enjoy & Buono Natale (Merry Christmas!).