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Melted Anchovy Toast

By Renee Erickson

4.0

(2)

Toast with anchovies and herbs on a plate
Photo by Renee Erickson

This preparation is all about the anchovy. Salty, garlicky, and spicy. It’s messy, oily, and addictive. This recipe actually was an accident. I had purchased some very fancy anchovies and was planning on just warming them to serve on toast, but they immediately liquified in the warm oil. And so I did what any rational person would do: I poured the resulting sauce onto a beautiful piece of toast and tasted it. So good, and among the easiest appetizers ever.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    15 minutes

  • Yield

    2–4 servings

Ingredients

½ cup olive oil
10 anchovy fillets in oil
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tsp. red chile flakes
Zest of 1 lemon, cut into thin julienne slices
2 thick pieces sourdough bread, grilled or toasted well and cut into 4 pieces each
Basil leaves, to garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a sauté pan, combine ½ cup olive oil, 10 anchovy fillets in oil, 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, 1 tsp. red chile flakes, and zest of 1 lemon, cut into thin julienne slices. Slowly bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the garlic is soft and the anchovies have melted. I like to carefully turn the garlic slivers over so they cook evenly.

    Step 2

    Place 2 thick pieces sourdough bread, grilled or toasted well and cut into 4 pieces each, on a platter and spoon the sauce evenly over the toast. Finish with basil leaves.

Cover of Sunlight & Breadcrumbs with illustrated bottles and dishes
Reprinted from Sunlight & Breadcrumbs: Making Food with Creativity & Curiosity by Renee Erickson with Sara Dickerman. Photographs 2024 by Renee Erickson. Published by Abrams. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.
TagsCookbooksStarterSnackQuickEasy30 Minutes or LessDairy FreeNut FreeSimmerToastSandwichAnchovyFishSeafood

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