Marinated Anchovies

Surely, marinated anchovies are a simple, tasty, and elegant appetizer. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 500 g of fresh anchovies
• 300 ml of white wine vinegar
• 100 ml of water
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt to taste
• Whole peppercorns to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

1. Clean the anchovies by removing the head and the innards, then open them like a book and remove the backbone. Rinse under running water to remove any residue.

2. Soak the cleaned anchovies in a mixture of water and vinegar (approximately a 3 to 1 ratio) and add whole peppercorns and a bit of salt. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for 3–4 hours.

3. After the marinating time is up, drain the anchovies well from the vinegar, pat them dry and arrange them on a serving dish or in an airtight container in layers, alternating with a bit of finely sliced garlic and chopped parsley.

4. Cover the anchovies with extra virgin olive oil until they are completely submerged.

5. Let them rest in the refrigerator for at least one day before serving, but the longer they stay in the marinade the better.

Marinated anchovies can be served with crusty bread or on a bruschetta, ideal as the start of a fish-based meal. Enjoy your meal!