Marinated Anchovies with Potatoes and Vinaigrette: A Traditional Seafood Dish with a Modern Twist

Today, we present you with a recipe from Martín Berasategui that highlights the freshness of the sea: Marinated Anchovies with Potatoes and Shallot-Leek Vinaigrette. With this perfect combination of ingredients, you’ll enjoy a simple yet flavorful dish, ideal for impressing your guests. Follow these steps to prepare a sophisticated anchovy recipe inspired by the purest and most authentic cuisine.

Ingredients for 4 people:

1 kg of large fresh anchovies

600 g of wine vinegar

400 g of cold water

A pinch of salt

500 g of potatoes

3 finely chopped shallots

5 tablespoons of white wine reduced by half

4 tablespoons of shallot-leek vinaigrette

Extra virgin olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Perfect Marinade: Mix the vinegar, water, a bit of chopped shallot, and salt to create the marinade.
   • Clean the anchovies by removing the head and guts, but keep them whole. Place the anchovies in the marinade for about 2 hours at room temperature, then leave them for another 8 hours in the refrigerator.
   • After this time, remove the anchovies, carefully remove the central bone on a board to keep the fillets intact, and submerge them in extra virgin olive oil.
2. Preparing the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes with the skin on and cook them in water until tender (a knife should easily pierce them). Drain the potatoes and, while still warm, peel and slice them into half-centimeter rounds.
   • Pour the reduced white wine and chopped shallots over the potatoes. Keep them in a warm place.

Finishing and Presentation:

On a warm plate, place the potato slices with shallots, white wine, and a pinch of salt. Add a spoonful of shallot-leek vinaigrette, then place the marinated anchovies on top, drizzling them with some of their own oil. Finally, add an extra touch of vinaigrette over the plate to enhance the flavors.

Chef’s Tip:

It’s essential to marinate the anchovies whole, without removing the central bone beforehand, as this prevents the vinegar from softening them too much and making them mushy.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish not only stands out for its freshness and flavor but also for its multiple health benefits. Anchovies are an excellent source of essential nutrients, ideal for a balanced diet. Here are some of their main benefits:

• Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: These essential fatty acids help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol, contributing to cardiovascular health.
• High-quality protein source: Anchovies provide complete proteins that help maintain and repair muscle tissues.
• High mineral content: They are rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium, essential minerals for bone health and proper immune system function.
• B vitamins: Anchovies contain vitamins such as B12, which is key for red blood cell production and proper nervous system function.
• Low in calories and fat: Despite being nutrient-dense, anchovies are low in calories, making them an excellent option for healthy diets.

Other benefits of the dish:

• Potatoes: A source of complex carbohydrates that provide long-lasting energy, along with fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
• Shallots and leeks: Rich in antioxidants and compounds that aid digestion and support cardiovascular health.
• Extra virgin olive oil: High in healthy fats, especially oleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties and heart health benefits.

In summary, this dish is a nutritious and healthy option, ideal for those seeking a light yet nutrient-rich meal. The combination of high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins makes it an excellent choice for any type of diet.