Baccala this Traditional Italian Recipe is made with chick peas, spices and simmered in a delicious Tomato Sauce. Served with some crusty Italian Bread makes this a perfect Comfort Food Dish.
If you are using dried Baccala, then soak it in cold water for 48 hours, be sure to change the water 2x a day. Once the time has passed then open the fish lengthwise, remove the bones and all plugs and cut it into pieces (about 2 inch pieces).
Soak dry chickpeas for at least 8 hours, drain and cook in boiling water until tender.
In a large skillet or pan add the olive oil, chopped onions, celery, garlic and parsley, sauté for approximately 3 minutes.
Add the can of tomatoes, basil, hot pepper flakes and water. Stir to combine.
In a medium pan add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lightly coat the baccala in flour and fry lightly on both sides. Add to the tomato mixture and cook for approximately 20 minutes or until fish is cooked.
Add the cooked chickpeas (or canned drained and rinsed) and a little chickpea water or broth if mixture is too thick. Stir to combine and heat thoroughly, serve with Italian crusty bread. Enjoy.
Notes
You can also use canned chickpeas, just be sure to drain and rinse them before using, add some broth or water if you need to thin the sauce.Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate, it will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. Re-heat on the stove or microwave.