Seasoned Bread with Anchovies

Here is the recipe to prepare seasoned bread with anchovies, a simple but flavorful dish, perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

• Sliced homemade bread
• Anchovies in oil
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Garlic
• Fresh parsley
• Chili pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Preparation

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180° C.
2. Take the slices of homemade bread and arrange them on a baking tray.
3. Toast the bread in the oven until golden and crispy. This should take about 5-10 minutes, but check frequently to avoid burning.
4. Meanwhile, drain the anchovies from their preserving oil.
5. Peel a clove of garlic and cut it in half. Rub the garlic on the toasted bread while still hot, so it absorbs the aroma.
6. Drizzle the bread with a little extra virgin olive oil, then place one or two anchovies on each slice.
7. Finely chop some fresh parsley and, if you like a spicy touch, a small amount of fresh or dried chili pepper.
8. Sprinkle the parsley (and chili pepper, if used) over the anchovies.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the anchovies are already flavorful on their own.
10. Serve the seasoned bread with anchovies immediately, while still hot.

A curiosity about anchovies: this small blue fish is not only tasty but also rich in Omega-3, which are fatty acids beneficial for the heart. Anchovies, whether fresh or preserved in oil or salt, are widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and add an intense flavor to many preparations.