Alici a Scapece with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) fresh anchovies, cleaned and deboned 1 pound (450g) fresh anchovies, cleaned and deboned
• 1 cup (240ml) white wine vinegar 1 cup (240ml) white wine vinegar
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• All-purpose flour for coating All-purpose flour for coating
• Olive oil for frying Olive oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the white wine vinegar, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chili flakes, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the cleaned anchovies in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure that the anchovies are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. 3.
   After marinating, remove the anchovies from the dish and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. 4.
   Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Coat each anchovy in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
6. 6.
   Fry the anchovies in batches until they turn golden and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
7. 7.
   Once fried, transfer the anchovies to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Alici a Scapece warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Anchovies — Ensure that the anchovies are fresh and properly cleaned to achieve the best flavor. If fresh anchovies are not available, you can use high-quality canned anchovies as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Serve the Alici a Scapece with a side of lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over the anchovies, enhancing the citrus flavors.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of chili flakes in the marinade.
• Make sure the frying oil is hot enough before adding the anchovies to achieve a crispy texture.
• To save time, you can marinate the anchovies overnight for a more intense flavor.

Serving advice

Serve Alici a Scapece as an appetizer or a light main course. Accompany it with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete Mediterranean experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy anchovies on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing and inviting.