What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of fresh anchovies
- Kosher salt
- Glass container with a tight-fitting lid
Step 1: Cleaning and Preparing the Anchovies
Start by rinsing the fresh anchovies under cold running water. Remove the heads and the guts. Using a small knife, carefully split the anchovies open along their bellies, and remove the backbone. Rinse the anchovies once again to remove any remaining blood or impurities.
Step 2: Layering Anchovies with Salt
Take a small handful of kosher salt and spread it evenly over the bottom of the glass container. Place a layer of cleaned anchovies on top of the salt, making sure they are not overlapping. Generously sprinkle salt over the layer of anchovies. Repeat this process, creating layers of anchovies separated by salt, until all the fish are used up.
Step 3: Adding a Final Salt Layer
Once you have layered all the anchovies, add one final layer of salt on top, making sure it completely covers the fish. This layer of salt acts as a protective coating, preventing spoilage and ensuring proper curing.
Step 4: Sealing and Storing the Container
Seal the glass container tightly with its lid. Place the container in the refrigerator for at least 4 weeks. During this time, the salt will draw moisture out of the anchovies, creating a curing environment that imparts a unique flavor to the fish.
Step 5: Final Preparation
After the curing period, remove the container from the refrigerator. Open the lid and carefully rinse the salt off the anchovies under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
How to Store Salt Cured Anchovies
The salt-cured anchovies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Make sure to cover them with a layer of olive oil to keep them moist and preserve their flavor.
These DIY salt cured anchovies are a wonderful addition to various dishes. You can use them in pasta sauces, salads, pizza, or on top of bruschetta. Their intense umami flavor will elevate your culinary creations to a whole new level.
Salt curing anchovies at home is a rewarding and simple process. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy the delicious and versatile flavors of salt cured anchovies. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!