Sweet and Sour Ligurian Cod
- Lactose Free
- Energy Kcal 357
- Carbohydrates g 12.2
- of which sugars g 6.4
- Protein g 36.3
- Fats g 18.1
- of which saturated fat g 3.39
- Fiber g 0.7
- Cholesterol mg 81
- Sodium mg 3329
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 30 min
- Cook time: 15 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Average
- Note + possible desalting time
PRESENTATION
Gentle flavors and special moments come together with Sweet and Sour Ligurian Cod—a family favorite that brings the good side of Tuscan cooking right to the table. This standout dish combines the tender, flaky texture of baccalà with a vibrant, tangy-sweet sauce that always gets people talking... Fresh, golden pieces shine on the plate, thanks to classic Ligurian cod style, and that nice balance of savory and sweet flavors makes every bite feel DELICIOUS in a totally cozy, welcoming way. Busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or any special celebration—this is one of those traditional Italian recipes that just works. The way the sauce hugs each piece of Norwegian seafood really shows what makes this such a keeper for families. Lively colors and lots of simple appeal give it a cheerful look everyone appreciates—perfect for parties, yet down-to-earth enough for regular dinners, too. Kids and grownups both stick around for seconds, since this great dish never tastes heavy or bland, just the right, easygoing combination. No wonder Livorno cuisine keeps it as a staple...it’s really all about sharing good food.
Home cooks looking for something different yet still familiar will definitely appreciate how Sweet and Sour Ligurian Cod fits any family table. With that unique blend of gentle moist cod and a gently tangy sauce, it’s the type of meal you can always count on for easy confidence and happy faces around the table. Works well next to simple sides like plain rice or roasted veggies—often gets a little extra attention with some fresh greens or bread (kids love to dip). Nice for celebrating holidays or just changing up the usual dinner routine, since baccalà has a history of bringing everyone together in festive style while keeping things light and nice for even picky eaters. Options? Totally flexible—serve as the star with vegetables, as part of a bigger Tuscan cooking menu, or pair it with other Ligurian cod classics. Families who like to explore classic traditional Italian recipes but want to keep things practical will find this dish makes a good new tradition. Simple, reliable, packed with comforting Norwegian seafood flavor in every bite—no need to fuss, since this classic keeps everybody happy and full. Warm, cozy, and always welcome...one of those home-cooked meals you just look forward to again and again.
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- INGREDIENTS
- Desalted cod 1.4 lbs (650 g)
- Sugar 5 tsp (20 g)
- Garlic 2 cloves
- Sage 3 leaves
- White wine vinegar 2 tsp (10 g)
- White wine ½ glass (100 g)
- Type 00 flour ¼ cup (30 g) - for dusting
- Peanut seed oil 2.1 cups (500 g) - for frying
How to prepare Sweet and Sour Ligurian Cod
To prepare sweet and sour Ligurian cod, take the already desalted and skinned cod (if you use salted cod it will require at least 3 days of soaking as indicated in the cooking school guide: how to desalinate cod): start by cutting the fillet into pieces 1, once cut you can also remove all the bones with kitchen tweezers 2. When you have finished, flour all the pieces, shaking them gently to remove excess flour 3.
Meanwhile, pour plenty of seed oil into a high-sided pot 4 and when it is hot, cook a couple of pieces at a time, for 4-6 minutes depending on thickness, at a temperature between 356°F and 374°F 5, until they are golden brown. As you cook the cod pieces, drain them on absorbent paper 6.
Prepare the sauce: peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves: a couple of millimeters will do 7 and then cut the sage leaves into strips 8. In a pot, pour the white wine and add the garlic slices 9,
the vinegar 10 and finally the sugar and the sage 11, turn on the low flame and let the mixture heat well and the sugar dissolve 12.
As soon as the syrup is boiling, add the fried cod pieces 13 and cook for another 5 minutes, turning them occasionally to flavor them well 14. When ready, plate your sweet and sour Ligurian cod pieces and serve hot 15!