Anchovies in scapece

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PRESENTATION

If you're craving a dish that screams Southern Italy, anchovies in scapece is your answer. Really, it just transports you straight to Campania and Puglia. You get those tangy and punchy vibes. The marinated anchovies recipe kicks off by frying the fish till they're super crispy, then soaking them in a bold vinegar marinade—really really unforgettable. This tradition is deep-rooted in southern Italian home cooking, where fresh local anchovies and aromatic herbs rule the dish.

In Southern Italy, folks have been all about Italian anchovy dishes for ages, each region adding its own twist. So, you might find fresh chili peppers thrown in for a spicy kick. And listen, a handful of mint or parsley can totally balance the vinegar's sharpness. Plus, the frying style varies—sometimes the fish are tender, other times extra crispy for that satisfying crunch. That flexibility? It is what makes anchovies in scapece a staple at many family gatherings. And pair it with chilled white wine. Seriously good.

Across the region, there are so many takes on this dish, and people love to add personal touches. Whether it's a bit more garlic or playing around with local herbs, creativity never ends. Traditional Italian recipes like this thrive on simplicity and the honest flavors of quality ingredients. Mediterranean seafood recipes often boast a rich personality, and this one is no exception. It's not just the taste; it's connecting with a heritage passed down through generations. Enjoying these bold, tangy anchovies feels like a flavorful trip through Southern Italy's culinary history. And you know what? Whether you're new to the dish or a seasoned fan, anchovies in scapece offers a unique experience that keeps you coming back for more.

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INGREDIENTS

Anchovies 14.1 oz (400 g) - (already gutted)
Type 00 flour to taste
Fine salt to taste
for frying
Peanut seed oil to taste
for marination
Garlic 2 cloves
Mint to taste
White wine vinegar 13 tbsp (200 ml)
Water ½ cup (100 ml)
Extra virgin olive oil 3.4 tbsp (50 ml)
Preparation

How to prepare Anchovies in scapece

To prepare the anchovies in scapece, first rinse the cleaned anchovies, drain them 1 and pat them dry with paper towels 2. Then, flour them 3.

Remove the excess flour and set aside 4. Chop the garlic cloves and fresh mint 5. In a small pot, pour the aromatic mixture 6.

Add the vinegar 7, water 8, and extra virgin olive oil 9.

Heat the marinade on the stove without boiling for 10 minutes on low heat 10. Then proceed with frying: heat the peanut oil in a pan to 338°F 11 and fry a few anchovies at a time for about 2 minutes 12.

Drain the anchovies 13 on frying paper or paper towels 14, then lightly salt them 15.

Pour the marinade over the anchovies 16. Cover the anchovies in scapece with plastic wrap 17 and place in the fridge overnight before serving them 18.

Storage

The anchovies in scapece can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight jar, covered with the marinade.

We do not recommend freezing.

Tip

To flavor the marinade, you can use oregano or parsley instead of mint.

If you prefer to buy whole anchovies, you will need about 1.3 lbs: you can then clean them following our guide: How to Clean Anchovies.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.