Mediterranean Marinated Anchovies

Ingredients

Fresh anchovies

1 pound, cleaned

White wine vinegar

1 cup

Garlic

4 cloves, minced

Fresh parsley

1/4 cup, chopped

Extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup

Black pepper

to taste

Salt

to taste

Instructions

1. Begin by cleaning the anchovies: remove the heads and innards, then open them up along the belly and gently remove the central bone. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a shallow dish, arrange the cleaned anchovies in a single layer. Pour the white wine vinegar over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to enhance their natural flavors.
3. After marinating, drain the anchovies and pat them dry again to remove any excess vinegar.
4. In a serving dish, layer the anchovies with the minced garlic and chopped parsley, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
5. Season the anchovies with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, allowing it to coat the anchovies and herbs beautifully.
6. For the best flavor, let the marinated anchovies rest in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. This allows the vibrant flavors to meld together, creating a truly irresistible dish.
7. Serve the marinated anchovies chilled with crusty bread or as part of an antipasto platter featuring olives, cheeses, and roasted vegetables.