Sautéed Agretti with Anchovies Recipe
Category: Side Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Agretti (Barba di frate) | 500g |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Anchovies (Alici) | 6 fillets |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 5 tbsp |
Instructions
- Prepare the Agretti: Begin by trimming the reddish ends of the agretti, also known as barba di frate, using your fingers to break off and discard the tough parts. Wash the agretti thoroughly under running water.
- Blanch the Agretti: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the agretti for about 7-8 minutes, until they are tender yet still firm. Drain well to remove any excess water.
- Infuse Garlic and Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic cloves and sauté them until they become golden and fragrant, releasing their aroma. Once done, remove the garlic from the skillet.
- Cook the Anchovies: In the same skillet, add the anchovy fillets and let them melt into the hot oil, stirring occasionally. Continue to cook until the anchovies completely dissolve into the oil, creating a rich, savory base.
- Sauté the Agretti: Add the drained agretti to the skillet, stirring them gently to coat them with the anchovy-infused oil. Sauté the agretti for a few minutes, allowing any remaining cooking liquid to evaporate and the flavors to meld together.
- Final Touches: Once the agretti are well-coated and the liquid has reduced, taste and season with a pinch of fine salt, if necessary.
- Serve: Your sautéed agretti with anchovies is now ready to be served as a flavorful and healthy side dish!
Enjoy this traditional Italian side dish, where the slightly bitter agretti perfectly balances the umami-rich anchovies.
