Baccalà alla Livornese

A classic Tuscan seafood secondi of tender salt cod simmered in tomato and garlic, served with creamy polenta for a rich and comforting coastal presentation.

Secondi Fish - Salt Cod Tier 2
Baccalà alla Livornese served with tomato sauce and creamy polenta

Ingredients

Heritage Tuscan seafood recipe scaled for plated service and production planning.

  • 170 g salted cod (desalted)
  • 200 g canned peeled tomatoes
  • 60 g polenta cornmeal
  • 40 ml extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 g garlic
  • 12 g parsley

Method

  1. Soak the cod for 48 hours, changing the water regularly until properly desalinated.
  2. Pat dry and lightly fry the cod in olive oil to develop flavor and structure.
  3. Prepare a tomato-garlic sauce and gently simmer the cod until tender and fully infused.
  4. Cook the polenta until smooth and creamy, keeping it soft for service.
  5. Plate the cod over the polenta, spoon over the Livornese sauce, and finish with parsley.
Chef’s Note: This dish is one of the great Tuscan seafood classics. The key is careful desalting and a gentle simmer so the cod stays succulent while absorbing the flavor of the tomato and garlic.
Nutrition (per serving, estimate)
Calories460 kcal
Fat19 g
Carbohydrates28 g
Protein34 g
SodiumVariable — depends on final desalting of cod
High Protein Fish Tuscan Classic