Tortiera di Alici (Italian Baked Anchovies)

Tortiera di alici or Alici in tortiera is a traditional Italian dish, typical of Naples where every family has its own version. Layers of fresh anchovies alternate with a mix of bread crumbs, capers, garlic, and parsley. You can add tomatoes to the mix, as well as olives or different herbs.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 412 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed
• 1 pound fresh anchovies, rinsed
• 7 ounces dried bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons capers, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced Italian parsley

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Slice open the bottom of each anchovy and pull out the bone. Open each fillet as you would a book and arrange in the bottom of a shallow dish. Pour white vinegar on top. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Drain and discard the vinegar.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Brush a baking dish lightly with olive oil.

Step 3

Mix bread crumbs, capers, parsley, and garlic together in a bowl.

Step 4

Sprinkle some of the bread crumb mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange some anchovies in a single layer in the baking dish, still open like a book. Brush lightly with olive oil; cover with some of the bread crumb mixture. Repeat layers with remaining anchovies, olive oil, and bread crumb mixture.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until top is crispy and lightly browned, about 20 minutes.