Anchovies are small saltwater fish found in the Mediterranean Sea and are often preserved in salt or oil. Anchovy pizza is a popular dish, and selecting the right type of anchovy and complementary ingredients is important for a successful dish. Fresh anchovies are best, but salt-cured anchovies are a common substitute. A milder tomato-based sauce and savory cheeses are recommended, and the cooking process can affect the final flavor.
An anchovy is a variety of saltwater fish found mostly in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s small, about 6 inches (15.24 cm) long, and is often prepared in fillets and preserved in salt or oil, especially in areas around the world where fresh anchovies aren’t readily available. Although anchovies play an important role in traditional Mediterranean cuisine, one of the most common dishes where fish features prominently is anchovy pizza. Making a successful anchovy pizza tends to depend primarily on properly preparing the fish to keep its pungent, salty flavor from overpowering the other flavors in the dish.
When making anchovy pizza, the specific type of packaged anchovy you select can make all the difference in the overall taste and quality of the finished dish. Fresh anchovies tend to be considered to have the best flavor; however, they are typically only available in areas of Europe near the Mediterranean Sea or the English Channel. A commonly accepted substitution for fresh anchovies is salt-cured anchovies, as many think that salt-curing doesn’t change the flavor of the fish as much as it coats it in oil.
Another of the best tips for making anchovy pizza is selecting other ingredients that complement the flavor of the fish. Because anchovies have a rich flavor on their own, it’s generally not recommended to make a pizza sauce that’s as rich, such as a cream-based alfredo sauce, béchamel sauce, or other white sauce. A milder tomato-based sauce tends to pair well with anchovies without making the dish overly rich. Some chefs even choose to forego pizza sauce and instead use sautéed onions with garlic as a pizza base in order to enhance the seafood. For a cheese topping, savory varieties of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, may be preferable to savory types, such as Parmesan, because they can help balance out the saltiness of the anchovies.
The process of preparing an anchovy pizza base generally depends on the desired crust texture. If you want a crispy crust, it will typically require a longer cooking time; therefore, the crust can be cooked before any toppings are applied to avoid overcooking the other ingredients. For a milder flavor, the anchovies can be sautéed in oil before being placed on the crust with the other ingredients because cooking helps mitigate their strong flavor.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
