Boiled water

Acqua Cotta Recipe - A Vegetable Delight with a Touch of Nostalgia

Acqua Cotta is a traditional recipe that, although it seems complicated at first glance, is actually a simple and flavorful dish, perfect for highlighting seasonal fresh vegetables. This meal has deep roots in culinary history, being an ingenious way to use garden vegetables in a comforting, healthy, and tasty dish. Let's discover together this savory recipe that combines textures and flavors in a truly special way.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 hot pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1 red onion
- 1 piece of leek
- 1 stalk of celery
- 1 carrot
- 1 small can of peas (approximately 400 g)
- 1 can of large beans (approximately 400 g)
- 1 handful of chard leaves (or 3 cubes of frozen spinach)
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 20 ml olive oil
- Eggs (one for each serving)
- Grated Parmesan or cheese (for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

A bit of history:
Acqua Cotta, literally translated as "boiled water," has its origins in rustic cuisine, based on simple and accessible ingredients. This recipe has been cooked for generations, becoming a symbol of culinary creativity, perfect for pampering both family and guests. It is a dish that not only combines vegetables in a delicious way but also brings a sense of warmth and comfort, highly appreciated on cooler days.

Steps to prepare Acqua Cotta:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Wash all the vegetables under a stream of cold water. Slice the red onion thinly, cut the leek into rounds, and the celery, carrot, and peppers into cubes. Crush the garlic lightly with the blade of a knife.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a large pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion, leek, celery, carrot, and peppers. Sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly soft.

3. Adding the tomatoes and other vegetables:
Blanch the tomatoes in hot water for 1-2 minutes, then peel and dice them. Add them to the pot, along with the drained and rinsed peas and beans. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is well separated beforehand.

4. Boiling:
Pour a cup of boiling water into the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The dish should become a meaty and aromatic mixture.

5. Preparing the slice of bread:
While the vegetables are boiling, toast a slice of bread in olive oil, then rub it with a crushed garlic clove for added flavor. This will become the perfect base for your dish.

6. Assembling the dish:
Take small ceramic dishes or ramekins. Place the toasted slice of bread in each dish, top with the vegetable mixture, and crack an egg in the center. Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheese over the egg.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dishes in the oven and leave them for a few minutes until the egg is set and the cheese melts, forming a golden crust.

8. Serving:
Serve Acqua Cotta hot, directly from the small dishes. You can drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for extra flavor. It is a dish best enjoyed alongside a crisp green salad and a slice of fresh bread.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- If you can't find large beans, regular beans are a perfect alternative. You can also experiment with other types of beans, depending on your preferences.
- For a vegan version, you can skip the eggs or use a plant-based substitute.
- If you desire a more intense flavor, you can add some spices like paprika or fresh herbs such as basil or oregano.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can Acqua Cotta be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable mixture a day in advance. When you're ready to serve, add the eggs and bake in the oven.

2. What drinks pair well with Acqua Cotta?
A dry white wine or a warm herbal tea can perfectly complement this dish.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of Acqua Cotta?
This dish is full of vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables, and it is also a good source of fiber.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that's left is to start cooking! Enjoy every step of the preparation and savor the final result - a comforting, flavorful, and healthy dish. Bon appétit!