Rome at the table: Roman-Style Salt Cod, the Recipe for This Exquisite Traditional Dish

If you are passionate about Italian cuisine, you cannot miss one of the most representative delights of Roman tradition: Roman-style salt cod. This dish, rich in flavors and history, is a must for anyone visiting the Eternal City. Come and discover this typical recipe with us, to experience an unforgettable culinary and cultural journey.

A Dive into Roman Tradition
Roman-style salt cod is a dish that has its roots in popular cuisine, where the ingenuity and creativity of housewives have transformed simple ingredients into extraordinarily tasty dishes. Roman cuisine is known for its skillful use of humble yet high-quality ingredients, and salt cod, which is salted and dried cod, is a perfect example of this. The history of salt cod in Italy dates back to maritime trade between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Cod was salted and dried to ensure preservation during long voyages, becoming a staple in Italian pantries. In Rome, in particular, salt cod became an essential component of the local diet due to its versatility and unique flavor.
This dish represents a perfect combination of sea and land, a distinctive feature of Roman cuisine. Roman housewives, with their ability to combine simple and flavorful ingredients, created a recipe that has become a symbol of the city's gastronomic culture. Once soaked to remove excess salt, the cod is slowly cooked with fresh tomatoes, black olives, raisins, and pine nuts, creating a dish that is both rich and delicate.
The tradition of Roman-style salt cod is passed down from generation to generation, with each family adding their personal touch. Some prefer to add capers or chili peppers for a bolder flavor, while others stick to the classic recipe, respecting the simplicity and balance of the original ingredients. Regardless of the variations, Roman-style salt cod remains a dish that tells the story of Rome and its people.

Main Ingredients
To prepare authentic Roman-style salt cod, you will need:
Salt cod: the salted cod, which must be soaked in water for at least 24 hours to remove excess salt.
Tomatoes: fresh or tomato puree, to create a rich and tasty sauce.
Black olives: which add a salty and robust touch to the dish.
Raisins and pine nuts: these ingredients provide a unique flavor, with a delightful contrast between sweet and salty.
Garlic: to flavor the sauce.
Parsley: fresh, for garnish and a touch of color.
Olive oil: essential for cooking and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.

Preparation
The first crucial step is soaking the salt cod. Leave it in cold water for at least 24 hours, changing the water several times to remove excess salt and rehydrate it. After soaking, dry the cod well and cut it into pieces.
In a pan, prepare a sauté with olive oil and garlic, which should turn golden without burning, to release all its aroma. Add the tomatoes (or tomato puree), black olives, raisins, and pine nuts. Let cook for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Add the pieces of salt cod to the sauce and let it cook slowly. The cod should become tender and absorb all the flavors of the sauce. Once cooked, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

One Dish, Many Emotions
Every bite of Roman-style salt cod is a journey into the history and culture of the city. It is a dish that evokes images of ancient Roman trattorias, where time seems to have stood still and where cooking is an act of love and sharing.
There are different variations of Roman-style salt cod. Some add capers or chili pepper for a spicy touch. Each family has its own recipe, passed down from generation to generation, adding a hint of uniqueness to this traditional dish.
After savoring Roman-style salt cod, extend your experience by discovering all that Rome has to offer. The city, with its millennia-old history, iconic monuments, and culinary traditions, will welcome you with open arms. Come discover Rome through its flavors, history, and timeless beauty. We await you with our Roman-style salt cod and all the warm hospitality our city has to offer. Bon appétit and enjoy your stay!