Anchovy and Potato Casserole Recipe
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
This Anchovy and Potato Casserole is a delightful blend of fresh, flavorful anchovies and tender potatoes, perfectly seasoned with aromatic herbs and citrus zest. The dish offers a delicate balance between the salty richness of anchovies and the earthy goodness of potatoes. It’s a fantastic choice for a family dinner or a special meal with friends, all while being incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Anchovies (fresh) | 650g |
| Potatoes | 600g |
| Lemon peel | 1 |
| Lemons | 3 |
| Sage | 3 leaves |
| Thyme | 6 sprigs |
| Juniper berries | 5 |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Water | as needed |
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by cleaning the anchovies. Remove the heads, slit open the belly, and carefully remove the entrails. Rinse the anchovies under cold water, and then place them on a tray lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. |
| 2 | While preparing the anchovies, fill a pot with water for steaming. Add sliced lemon and juniper berries to infuse the water with aromatic flavors. Bring the water to a boil. |
| 3 | In the meantime, peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandolin for uniform thickness. When the water reaches a boil, place a steaming basket in the pot and layer the potato slices in it. Steam the potatoes until they are tender. |
| 4 | Chop the sage and thyme leaves finely, and grate the zest of one lemon. Set aside the herb mixture. |
| 5 | Prepare a 20 x 20 cm baking dish by greasing the bottom with olive oil. Begin layering the casserole by placing a layer of anchovies in the dish. Sprinkle with the herb mixture, and continue layering the ingredients until all are used up. |
| 6 | Finish the casserole with a final layer of steamed potato slices. Sprinkle this layer with the remaining herb mixture, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. |
| 7 | Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crisp on top. |
| 8 | Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven, and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious contrast of flavors. |
This simple yet flavorful Anchovy and Potato Casserole is a comforting dish that beautifully combines the umami of anchovies with the richness of tender potatoes. The citrus zest and aromatic herbs elevate the flavors, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe:
- Ensure that the anchovies are fresh, as they provide the salty depth that makes this dish stand out.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs and seasonings to your liking—rosemary or bay leaves could be great additions.
- For an extra boost of flavor, you can drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the top of the casserole before baking.
This is the perfect dish for anyone looking to explore a new take on traditional Mediterranean flavors while keeping it simple and wholesome!
