Bagna Calda

(bahn-yah-CALD-ah)
A hot dish from Piedmont, Italy, bagna calda can be traced to the 16th century. A warm garlicky liquid dip, it’s a delicious bath in which to dunk fresh or cooked vegetables. Magelli families serve this at Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

Ingredients

1 pound butter
6-8 ounces chopped garlic
1 pound anchovies
1 quart whipping cream

HINT

If the bagna bowl starts running low, add more cream, butter and anchovies to the electric skillet and cook until anchovies dissolve.

“Bagna Calda means ‘hot dip’ or ‘hot bath’ and in the Magelli traditions it’s simple called ‘bagna.’ Be prepared for everyone to dip into the same pot. Goes great with red wine. Italians, bagna calda and New Year’s Eve–another blessed trinity”
– Diane Hoemeke

DIRECTIONS

PREPARATION

In an electric skillet, melt the butter, stir in 6-8 ounces of chopped garlic and lightly brown over medium heat.
Stir in anchovies and cook until they have dissolved or have broken into small pieces.
Add whipping cream.
Simmer until mixture thickens like gravy. Serve warm.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Serve fondue style, dipping cabbage wedges, peppers, carrots, celery plus thick slices of Italian or homemade bread. For the uninitiated, the bread initially serves as an edible saucer or napkin. Hold it to catch drips from the dipped vegetables. Once most of the bagna has been consumed, feel free to dip bread directly in the bowl to soak up the delicious dregs.

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