Bagna Cauda

ROASTED PEPPERS AND POTATOES WITH BAGNA CAUDA
At many places in Italy, roasted peppers are dressed with bagna cauda, the classic warm anchovy and garlic sauce, but our cooks especially enjoyed it at La Contea, a restaurant in Neive, a village in the Piedmont. In this variation, potato slices have been added.

Roasted Peppers and Potatoes
5 large yellow bell peppers
5 large red bell peppers
1 1/2 pounds baking potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil

Bagna Cauda
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, chopped and mashed to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon
 salt
5 anchovy fillets, mashed to a paste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

Preheat broiler.
In a large shallow roasting pan, broil peppers about 2 inches from heat, turning every 5 minutes, until skins are blistered and charred, 15 to 25 minutes. Transfer peppers to a bowl and let steam, covered, until cool. Starting at blossom end, peel peppers and discard stems, seeds and ribs. Cut peppers into thirds. Peppers may be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered. Drain peppers before using.

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Peel potatoes and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. In a shallow baking pan, toss potatoes with oil and salt and pepper to taste and spread in one layer in pan. Roast potatoes until golden, about 20 minutes. Potatoes may be roasted 8 hours ahead and kept covered at room temperature.

In a small saucepan, heat oil, garlic paste, and anchovy paste over moderate heat, stirring, until warm and stir in parsley.

On a platter, toss peppers and potatoes with warm bagna cauda to coat and season with salt and pepper.

Serves 12 as Part of a Buffet.

Gourmet
April 1995