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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Baccalà Impanata: The Crown Jewel of Siracusa’s Festive Table

Baccalà Impanata: The Crown Jewel of Siracusa’s Festive Table

Discover the traditional Sicilian savoury pie filled with salted cod, cauliflower and potatoes—a true emblem of Christmas celebrations.

⏱️
Prep Time
About 1 hour and 15 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
Around 1 hour and 15 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Moderate
🗓️ Perfect for winter
4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 600 g Sicilian focaccia dough
  • 1 kg desalted salted cod
  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 1 cauliflower
  • 1 white onion
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
520 kcal
Protein
32 g
Fat
28 g
Carbohydrates
38 g
Fiber
3 g
Sugars
2 g
Sodium
850 mg

If you’re longing to capture the essence of Sicily and its Christmas traditions, this Baccalà Impanata is just the ticket! A golden focaccia-like crust envelopes a rich, flavoursome filling of salted cod, cauliflower and potatoes, perfectly balancing sea and earth. It’s one of the most cherished festive pies around Siracusa, with every mouthful telling a story of authentic island flavours and holiday joy.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the focaccia dough using your favourite basic recipe and leave it to rise until doubled in size.

  2. 2

    Gently poach the salted cod in unsalted water for about 10 minutes, then remove skin and bones and flake it into pieces.

  3. 3

    Wash the cauliflower, break into florets and cook in salted water for 10 minutes; drain and sauté with olive oil, finely chopped onion, and black pepper.

  4. 4

    Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, then blanch for a few minutes.

  5. 5

    Divide the dough into two portions, roll out into discs and place one on an oiled baking tray.

  6. 6

    Layer the filling alternately with cod, cauliflower and potatoes until all ingredients are used.

  7. 7

    Top with the second dough disc and carefully seal the edges.

  8. 8

    Brush the surface with a mix of water and olive oil and leave to rest in a warm spot for 1 hour.

  9. 9

    Bake in a preheated static oven at 220°C for 45 minutes, until golden and crisp.

  10. 10

    Remove from oven, let rest for 10 minutes and serve warm.

💡 Tips and Variations

For an extra aromatic lift, try adding some oregano or black olives to the filling. For a lighter take, swap part of the salted cod for fresh cod fillets.

📦 Storage

  • Keep refrigerated, covered with cling film, for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a 180°C oven for 10 minutes before serving.
  • It can be frozen once cooked and reheated straight from frozen.
  • This pie is just as delicious the next day, served at room temperature.

🍷 Pairing

Enjoy alongside a glass of Menfi Grecanico, a crisp, fruity Sicilian white wine that perfectly balances the saltiness of the cod.

Why not bring a touch of Sicily to your own table with this comforting Baccalà Impanata? It’s an ideal dish for sharing with family and friends, full of festive spirit and soul-soothing flavours. Give it a go—you might just find it becoming a beloved seasonal tradition in your home too!

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