Bagna Cauda

Remember how I told you I was reading The Man Who Ate Everything? Well, I didn't make it past the introduction before being inspired. Reading this thing might take me a lifetime at this rate.

In the introduction, Steingarten talks about food aversions and how as a food critic he had to quickly overcome many of his - anchovies included. How did he do it? He discovered Bagna Cauda.

On my last trip to NYC, I had bought this little jar of anchovies at Eataly and had been saving it for whatever reason. This was that reason. And now I have to go back to Eataly to get more of this stuff.

Since this recipe is so simple - you're going to want to use the very best ingredients. Imported anchovies, really exceptional olive oil. There are million different recipes online - some are more rustic, which is what I prefer, others are blended into a creamy caesar-dressing like dip (probably something I'd do to trick people into trying anchovies). 

The recipe I found below is from Bon Appetit and really quick to put together and make sure to serve it warm with assorted veggies and bread.

You Will Need:

24 unpeeled large garlic cloves

2 Tablespoons butter

1 2-ounce jar anchovy fillets, oil drained

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch vegetables if you're serving veggies that need blanching (cauliflower, zucchini, asparagus, etc.). Remove veggies and set aside. 

In same water, simmer garlic until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain, cool, and peel. Place garlic in a shallow bowl; mash with back of fork until smooth. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add anchovies and stir 1 minute. Add garlic, then whisk in olive oil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 5 minutes, whisking occasionally (sauce may separate). Season with salt and pepper; serve dip with vegetables and bread. 

I can't think of a better way to wrap up the summer this weekend. A nice platter of veggies and bread and this phenom dip on the deck.

It'll change you into an anchovy fan for sure.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!