Flavors of Liguria:
Our Kitchen’s Stuffed Anchovies
Today, Chef Vincenzo Pisana presents his recipe for Ligurian-style stuffed anchovies – a traditional dish that wins you over with its simplicity.
Here are the ingredients to prepare 4 servings, perfect for sharing with your family.
Ingredients:
Anchovies – 800g
Breadcrumb from white bread – 60g
Milk – 1 glass
Garlic – 1 clove
Grated Parmesan cheese – 3 tablespoons
Eggs – 2
Parsley – to taste
Marjoram – to taste
Salt and pepper – to taste
Extra virgin olive oil – to taste
Breadcrumbs – to taste
Come cook with us!
First, start by cleaning the anchovies. Gently remove the head, innards, and backbone, taking care to leave the tail intact. Open them like a book, rinse under cool water, and gently pat them dry. Once cleaned, lay them out on a cutting board and set aside.
In a pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and lightly sauté a minced garlic clove with some fresh parsley. Add about ten coarsely chopped anchovies and let them cook for a few minutes to develop flavor. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool — this is when the aromas begin to blend beautifully.
Meanwhile, soak the bread crumbs in milk. Once softened, squeeze out the excess liquid and place the bread in a bowl. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped marjoram, eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the sautéed anchovy mixture and combine everything until you have a soft, flavorful filling.
Next, take a baking tray lined with parchment paper and lightly oil it. Arrange half of the anchovies with the inner side facing up. Spoon some filling onto each one and top with another anchovy, this time with the skin side facing up.
Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake in a static oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes, until lightly golden.
Serve warm — ideally with a chilled glass of Vermentino or Pigato Maria Donata Bianchi — and let the flavors of the Mediterranean tell you a story of simplicity, elegance, and authenticity.
Hotel Ligure & Ligure Blue Restaurant
Passeggiata Dino Grollero 25-17021 Alassio
+39 0182 640653 o info@ligurealassio.it