Bagna Càuda: Piedmont's Melted Garlic & Anchovy Elixir

Details
Experience the legendary, rustic charm of Piedmontese garlic bliss in every dippable bite!
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Garlic
In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the thinly sliced garlic and half of the olive oil. Place over very low heat.
Cook the Garlic
Gently simmer the garlic, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes, or until it is very tender and translucent but not browned. It should almost melt into the oil. This slow cooking removes the harshness from the garlic.
Add Anchovies
Add the rinsed and dried anchovy fillets to the saucepan. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring and mashing the anchovies with a wooden spoon until they have completely dissolved into the oil, forming a smooth paste. This should take another 10-15 minutes.
Finish the Sauce
Stir in the remaining olive oil. If using, slowly whisk in the milk to achieve a slightly creamier consistency. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, ensuring the sauce is well combined and heated through. Do not let it boil.
Serve
Transfer the warm Bagna Càuda to a fondue pot or a heat-resistant serving dish with a small warmer underneath to keep it hot. Arrange the assorted raw and cooked vegetables, along with slices of crusty bread or polenta, around the dip. Serve immediately, encouraging guests to dip their chosen accompaniments into the aromatic, garlicky sauce.
Recipe reviews
Leave a review
Sign in to share your review.
Reviews
More recipes

Authentic Turkish Haydari Recipe (The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Meze)
Stop scrolling. This is the creamy, tangy, intensely garlicky Turkish dip you've been dreaming of since your last holiday. Haydari is the queen of the meze table for a reason. Made from thick, strained yogurt, sharp garlic, and fresh dill, it’s a deceptively simple, no-cook recipe that feels both incredibly fresh and deeply indulgent. Perfect for scooping up with warm pita, serving alongside grilled meats, or just eating with a spoon when no one is looking.

Rich & Creamy Hungarian Garlic Soup (Authentic Fokhagymaleves)
A hug in a bowl, this authentic Hungarian Garlic Soup, or 'Fokhagymaleves', is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening. By roasting the garlic first, we unlock a sweet, mellow flavour that makes this creamy soup deeply satisfying without any harshness. It's a simple, soulful recipe that brings a taste of Budapest to your kitchen.

