Bunya Calda or Banya Cauda

Indulge in the rustic charm of Northern Italian cuisine with Bunya Calda (or Bagna Cauda), a warm and savory dipping sauce perfect for sharing. This recipe combines velvety butter, fragrant olive oil, and the umami-packed fusion of garlic and anchovies, gently simmered to create a deeply flavorful sauce. Traditionally served with an array of fresh, crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and radishes, and optionally paired with crusty bread, this dish is a true celebration of simplicity and bold flavors. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this fondue-style appetizer is ideal for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Elevate your snack game with this authentic Italian treat that's as delicious as it is comforting!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 10 whole Garlic cloves
• 8 pieces Anchovy fillets
• 100 grams Butter
• 120 milliliters Extra-virgin olive oil
• 500 grams Vegetables for dipping (e.g., carrots, celery, radishes, fennel, bell peppers)
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 loaf Crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly to ensure a smooth texture in the sauce.

Step 2

Prepare the vegetables by washing, peeling (if necessary), and cutting them into bite-sized pieces for dipping. Set aside while the sauce is prepared.

Step 3

Place a small saucepan or a heavy-bottomed skillet over low heat. Add the sliced garlic and extra-virgin olive oil. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft but does not brown (about 8-10 minutes).

Step 4

Add the anchovy fillets to the pan with garlic and continue cooking over low heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mash the anchovies into the softened garlic until they dissolve into the oil, forming a smooth mixture. This should take another 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the butter to the mixture and stir until fully melted and combined. Taste the sauce and add a small pinch of salt if needed, although the anchovies are naturally salty, so be cautious.

Step 6

Transfer the Bagna Cauda to a small heatproof dish or a fondue pot to keep warm. Serve immediately with the prepared vegetables and optional crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1391.1 grams (1391.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3366

Total Fat 234.00g	300%
Saturated Fat 69.80g	349%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.50g
Cholesterol 315mg	105%
Sodium 11347mg	493%
Total Carbohydrate 235.60g	86%
Dietary Fiber 20.50g	73%
Total Sugars 25.10g
Protein 90.90g	182%

Vitamin D 656IU	3280%
Calcium 849mg	65%
Iron 27mg	151%
Potassium 2762mg	59%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.7%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 27.6%