My first marriage family introduced me to the New Year’s Eve tradition of Italian bagna cauda with cream and fresh raw vegetables and Italian bread. A great dip or fondue for any celebration.
Bagna cauda with oil originated in 16th century Italy. However, I prefer a creamy version. Served hot as a dipping sauce with cut-up fresh vegetables and Italian bread.
Also, I like to add tuna to the bagna cauda for more body.
This dip is a fun party appetizer. You will find the classic oil version served at the Wine Garden during the annual Labor Day weekend Little Italy Festival in Clinton, Indiana. The best Italian bread & breadsticks may be purchased at the Clinton, Indiana, IGA.
Bagna Cauda with Cream
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 sticks butter
- 10 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tins anchovies in oil small
- 1 5 oz can tuna optional
- 1 pint heavy cream
Used for dipping
- celery
- cabbage
- lettuce
- Italian Bread
- any other vegetable cut up will work
Instructions
- Melt butter with the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until tender. Add the anchovies and tuna. Cook a few minutes.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Serve in small hot bowls for use with the dipping ingredients. Almost any fresh raw vegetable goes well with bagna cauda.
Notes
Bagna Cauda with oil: If you prefer your bagna cauda without the cream, substitute the following amounts of olive oil and butter and omit the cream. Tuna is optional. 1 cup of olive oil & 1 stick of butter
I am not a big bagna fan. However, my husband is a connoisseur of bagna. He starts planning & shopping for ingredients early. In the area where I live, bagna ingredients sell out in the stores!