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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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly to ensure a smooth texture in the sauce.
Prepare the vegetables by washing, peeling (if necessary), and cutting them into bite-sized pieces for dipping. Set aside while the sauce is prepared.
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).
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.
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.
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
Calories |
771 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.1 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.2 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1171 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.9 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.3 g | ||
| Protein | 13.4 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 111 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 532 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
