Crostini with Creamed Salt Cod

Name: Crostini with Creamed Salt Cod
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Desalted cod 10.6 oz; Extra virgin olive oil 6.9 tbsp; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Bread ciabatta or baguette 8 slices; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Parsley (to chop) to taste; Lemon peel (to grate) 1

it de es fr br

Lactose Free

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Sebastian Fitarau

So here's the thing, if you’re looking to try something that truly captures Venetian cuisine, whipped salt cod crostini is a must. And i mean, it's really something special. Known locally in Veneto as 'crostini con baccalà mantecato,' this dish brings together a creamy salt cod spread with crispy toasted bread and a touch of lemon zest. Really, it’s just super tasty. This combination is a staple in Venice, often enjoyed during festive gatherings or fancy dinners. The baccalà mantecato recipe has been cherished for generations—pretty awesome, right? It offers a light, mousse-like fish topping with a hint of tangy lemon and fresh parsley. The salt cod is whipped until it's smooth and spread thick on the bread, creating a delicious contrast between crunchy and moist textures. And the sauce? Well, in the beautiful Veneto region, salt cod appetizer dishes like this are everywhere—from small bacari (those traditional bars) to big family meals. Some locals add garlic or a splash of olive oil, which is great for extra flavor. And look, you’ll find plenty of baccalà crostini variations as you explore around. Unlike other Italian seafood crostini, its creamy texture and straightforward ingredients make it stand out. Pretty simple but way way better. It’s a perfect example of a traditional Italian appetizer that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. With the golden toasted bread cradling all that rich, savory fish, this dish is a treat—no question. Even those who aren't typically fans of fish often find themselves reaching for more—it's just that good and satisfying. This recipe is a wonderful part of Venetian life, showing how simple ingredients can create something really really special.

INGREDIENTS

For the Salt Cod: Desalted cod 10.6 oz (300 g); Extra virgin olive oil 6.9 tbsp (100 g); Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

For the Crostini: Bread 8 slices - ciabatta or baguette; Extra virgin olive oil to taste

To Complete: Parsley to taste - (to chop); Lemon peel 1 - (to grate)

Preparation

How to prepare Crostini with Creamed Salt Cod

To prepare the crostini with creamed salt cod, first place the salt cod in a pot with cold water 1 and bring it to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the salt cod is tender, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface 2. Meanwhile, slice the bread 3.

Cut the slices in half 4, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and drizzle with oil 5. Bake in a fan oven at 390°F 6.

Chop the parsley with a knife 7. Drain the salt cod 8 and let it cool, then remove the skin 9.

Also remove the bones 10 and break it into pieces with your hands. Transfer the salt cod to a stand mixer with a paddle attachment 11, turn it on, and gradually add the olive oil 12; you should achieve a creamy consistency. If it turns out too dry, you can add some of the salt cod's cooking water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Season with salt and pepper 13. Form quenelles using 2 spoons 14 and place them on the crostini 15.

Garnish with chopped parsley 16 and grated lemon zest 17. Your crostini with creamed salt cod are ready to be enjoyed 18!

Storage

It is recommended to consume the crostini with creamed salt cod as soon as they are ready.

The creamed salt cod can be stored in the refrigerator, in a closed container, for 1-2 days.

Advice

You can enrich the crostini with sliced black or green olives, confit cherry tomatoes, or caramelized onions.

If you don't have a stand mixer, you can use electric beaters or a blender.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.