Bunya Calda or Banya Cauda
Indulge in the rustic charm of Northern Italian cuisine with Bunya Calda (or Bagna Cauda), a warm and savory dipping sauce perfect for sharing. This recipe combines velvety butter, fragrant olive oil, and the umami-packed fusion of garlic and anchovies, gently simmered to create a deeply flavorful sauce. Traditionally served with an array of fresh, crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and radishes, and optionally paired with crusty bread, this dish is a true celebration of simplicity and bold flavors. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this fondue-style appetizer is ideal for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Elevate your snack game with this authentic Italian treat that's as delicious as it is comforting!
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Ingredients
- 10 whole Garlic cloves
- 8 pieces Anchovy fillets
- 100 grams Butter
- 120 milliliters Extra-virgin olive oil
- 500 grams Vegetables for dipping (e.g., carrots, celery, radishes, fennel, bell peppers)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 loaf Crusty bread (optional, for serving)
Directions
Step 1
Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly to ensure a smooth texture in the sauce.
Step 2
Prepare the vegetables by washing, peeling (if necessary), and cutting them into bite-sized pieces for dipping. Set aside while the sauce is prepared.
Step 3
Place a small saucepan or a heavy-bottomed skillet over low heat. Add the sliced garlic and extra-virgin olive oil. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft but does not brown (about 8-10 minutes).
Step 4
Add the anchovy fillets to the pan with garlic and continue cooking over low heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mash the anchovies into the softened garlic until they dissolve into the oil, forming a smooth mixture. This should take another 5 minutes.
Step 5
Add the butter to the mixture and stir until fully melted and combined. Taste the sauce and add a small pinch of salt if needed, although the anchovies are naturally salty, so be cautious.
Step 6
Transfer the Bagna Cauda to a small heatproof dish or a fondue pot to keep warm. Serve immediately with the prepared vegetables and optional crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1391.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3366.1 |
| Total Fat 234.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 69.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.5g | |
| Cholesterol 315.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 11346.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 235.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 20.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 25.1g | |
| Protein 90.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 656.0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 849.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 27.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2761.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories