Everybody loves anchovies. Yes, yes even you (provided that you’re not vegetarian, of course)! It’s ok if you don’t believe us, we’re confident that you’ll soon realize that anchovies are hiding unassumingly in some of your favourite dishes from around the world. 

Italy

In Roman times, anchovies were used as a base for a fermented fish sauce called garum. With a long shelf-life, garum was produced in large quantities and traded widely. These days, Italians use brined anchovies or canned anchovies as a topping on pizza and to flavour pasta sauces. Love a good pasta Puttanesca? You might be surprised to learn that the secret ingredient, rounding out the bold flavours of olives and capers, is anchovies! 

France

The French also appreciate the might anchovy’s ability to add umami to a dish, that’s why they concocted the Pissaladière. Originating in the south of France this pizza-like creation is made of puff-pastry dough and topped with caramelized onions, black olives, and canned anchovies arranged in a lattice formation. In Spain, anchovies represent a classic tapa served cured in salt and preserved in oil, fresh and marinated in vinegar, or battered and fried. Gracing tables across the country, you’ll find this delicate little fish lovingly arranged on top of fresh bread or swimming in high-quality olive oil on a plate. 

Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian cuisine often features fish sauce flavoured with… You guessed it: anchovies! Bold enough to stand up to robust spice blends, fish sauce adds salt to curries. It’s also used in marinades, balancing other robust flavours.  

North America

With our varied roots, North Americans enjoy anchovies in a wide variety of dishes hailing from all over the world. However, we also have our own anchovy claim to fame: Caesar salad! Developed in Mexico by an Italian-American restauranteur, this salad features a tangy dressing that gets its unique flavour from none other than canned anchovies. 

In Canada, we’ve also been known to enjoy a Caesar or three on a lazy Sunday. You might be surprised to learn that the Worcestershire sauce that flavours this tasty cocktail is made with anchovies. 

So now that you know you love anchovies, it’s time to explore some new recipes featuring this flavour packed little fish. Grab some canned anchovies and find inspiration in our collection of anchovy recipes.