When I mention anchovies, I either hear, "Oh my gosh, I love anchovies!" or, with a slight grimace, "I'm not a fan." It seems you either love them or you don't. If you love anchovies, read on for serving ideas and where to shop for Italian anchovies. If you are in the latter group, consider giving them a try. Anchovies have notable health benefits and are a great ingredient to keep on hand. They bring a subtle and appealing flavor to dishes — often without being undetected.
Anchovies are a common food in Acciaroli, Italy — noted as being one of the Blue Zones, which I write about in my upcoming book. They're also a great source of protein and omega-3. Anchovies are also rich in vitamins B, B3, B12, and niacin. This article from Web M.D. states, "Anchovies have many vitamins and minerals that provide major health benefits. They are best known as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote brain and heart health. Anchovies also have selenium, which, if eaten regularly, may reduce the risk of some types of cancer." Anchovies also support thyroid function, eye health, and Alzheimer's prevention.
A few anchovies in a dressing or sauce create a delicious, intriguing layer of flavor — noticeable yet subtle. Your family might not pinpoint what’s making it taste so good.
Many processed foods, like bottled steak sauce or marinades, use artificial flavorings and sugar to build flavor. But with just a few fresh ingredients, you can achieve something even better — tastier and healthier.
Anchovies bring both flavor and nutrients to a dish. A tiny bit is all it takes to hear, "Oh! That’s good."
Add a few anchovies to your tomato sauce. They melt in as they cook, adding a subtle depth of flavor that takes your sauce to a new level — truly a secret ingredient.
If you're ready to give them a try, here’s an easy recipe to start with: a homemade Caesar salad dressing. Many families have called this kid-friendly salad the "magic salad" because even the salad-reluctant kids can't get enough of it. That's a big win! There are so many wholesome ingredients in this dressing.
Even if you only use anchovies to make homemade Caesar dressing, it's a delicious way to add more nutrients to your family's plate.
A few anchovies is a secret ingredient in potato and green bean salad.
When you're feeling adventurous, try anchovies on buttered toast — it's divine.
Look for Italian anchovies at your local grocery store or in online stores like Supermarket Italy. If shopping online isn't part of your grocery shopping routine, you'll read more about that in my upcoming book. Not all of the best products make it to the grocery shelf and we have to go find them. I'll show you how!
You can also find products on Amazon, but I usually find better prices at other online stores.
