What You’ll Need
To get started, make sure you have the following ingredients and materials:
- 1 pound of fresh anchovies
- 1 cup of white wine vinegar
- 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A glass or stainless steel container with a lid
Step 1: Cleaning the Anchovies
Start by rinsing the anchovies under cold water to remove any excess scales and impurities. Once rinsed, pat them dry with a paper towel and remove their heads. Gently open the anchovies along the belly and remove the backbone while keeping the fillets intact. Rinse them once again under cold water and allow them to drain.
Step 2: Preparing the Marinade
In a bowl, combine the white vinegar, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Marinating the Anchovies
Take the cleaned anchovies and place them in the glass or stainless steel container. Pour the marinade over the anchovies, making sure they are completely covered. Cover the container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 4: Final Touches
After marinating for 24 hours, remove the container from the refrigerator and carefully drain the excess marinade. Transfer the marinated anchovies to a clean dish and drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil. You can also garnish them with additional chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Marinated anchovies can be enjoyed in various ways:
- As an appetizer: Serve them on a platter with some crunchy bread, olives, and pickled vegetables.
- In salads: Add marinated anchovies to a classic Caesar salad or a Mediterranean-inspired salad for an extra burst of flavor.
- In pasta dishes: Toss them with cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a simple yet delicious meal.
- On pizza: Sprinkle marinated anchovies over your favorite pizza toppings to elevate the taste.
Now that you know how to prepare marinated anchovies, you can explore the endless possibilities of incorporating them into your culinary creations. Enjoy the salty delights and impress your family and friends with your homemade delicacy!