Marinated Fresh Anchovies (Alici Marinati)

Ingredients for Marinated Fresh Anchovies (Alici Marinati)

• 900g fresh anchovies

• 475ml white wine vinegar

• 475ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons dried oregano

• 2 tablespoons hot red pepper flakes

• 1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley

• 4 garlic cloves, sliced paper-thin

• 2 tablespoons sea salt

• Lemon wedges (optional)

How to make Marinated Fresh Anchovies (Alici Marinati)

Using scissors, trim the fins off of all the anchovies. Using a sharp paring knife, slit each fish along the belly from head to tail; remove the entrails and rinse well. Cut off the heads and carefully pull out the spine and pin bones from the top with your index finger and thumbnail. Separate the two fillets and rinse again. Arrange a layer of the fillets in a deep oval gratin dish and sprinkle with a tablespoon or two of vinegar. Continue until all the fish fillets are used, then pour the rest of the vinegar over the fish. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Remove the anchovies from the vinegar, rinse, and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Wash out the dish and dry well. Return a single layer of cured anchovies to the dish and sprinkle with 2 or 3 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of oregano, a pinch of pepper flakes, a pinch of parsley, three or four garlic slices, and a pinch of salt. Layer in the rest of the anchovies, sprinkling each layer with oil, oregano, pepper flakes, parsley, garlic, and salt. Cover again and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

To serve, bring anchovies to just below room temperature (in Italy they would be served at about 14°C). Remove from the oil and arrange six or seven on each plate with a lemon wedge if desired.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.