Recipes with Cantabrian anchovies for the Christmas menu: Tasty and refined ideas.

Anchovies are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can enrich your Christmas menu with original and delicious dishes. Perfect for appetizers, first courses, and even as a base for sauces, anchovies add that savory and refined touch that conquers every palate. Here are some ideas for a complete Christmas menu, capable of best highlighting this precious ingredient.

Appetizers: An elegant start

Appetizers are essential for opening Christmas lunch or dinner in style. Anchovies are perfect for simple yet flavorful preparations.

1. Gourmet Crostini with Cantabrian Anchovies and Burrata: Perfect for an elegant and quick appetizer.
• Ingredients : Toasted bread, fresh burrata cheese, Cantabrian anchovies, grated lemon zest.
• Preparation : Spread the burrata on hot bread, top with an anchovy fillet and finish with lemon zest .
2. Anchovy carpaccio with oil and herbs: A light and refined dish to start your meal.
• Ingredients : Cantabrian anchovies, extra virgin olive oil, fresh parsley, chili pepper.
• Preparation : Arrange the anchovies on a plate, season with oil, chopped parsley and a pinch of chili pepper. Serve with bread croutons .

First courses: intense and traditional flavors

For first courses, anchovies can transform the simplest recipes into true culinary masterpieces.

1. Spaghetti with anchovies and breadcrumbs: A simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for an informal Christmas dinner.
• Ingredients : Spaghetti, anchovy fillets, garlic, breadcrumbs, olive oil, parsley.
• Preparation : Melt the anchovies in hot oil with garlic, then add the toasted breadcrumbs. Season the spaghetti and finish with fresh parsley .
2. Anchovy pesto lasagna: An original alternative to classic meat lasagna.
• Ingredients : Lasagna sheets, béchamel sauce, anchovy fillets, basil pesto, grated cheese.
• Preparation : Alternate layers of pasta with béchamel sauce, pesto, and anchovy pieces. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and bake until golden brown .
3. Risotto with Anchovies and Lemon: An Elegant and Light First Course
• Ingredients : Carnaroli rice, anchovies, lemon zest, vegetable broth, butter.
• Preparation : Toast the rice with butter and melted anchovies, deglaze with white wine, and cook, adding hot broth. Finish with a grating of lemon zest for a fresh aroma .

Main courses: refinement and creativity

Main courses can also benefit from the intense flavor of anchovies.

1. Cod with anchovies and olives: A dish that combines tradition and Mediterranean flavor.
• Ingredients : Cod fillets, anchovies, cherry tomatoes, black olives, capers.
• Preparation : Bake the cod in the oven with a sauce of anchovies, cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers. Serve with bread croutons .
2. Artichokes stuffed with anchovies and breadcrumbs: A rich-flavored vegetarian side dish or main course.
• Ingredients : Artichokes, Cantabrian anchovies, breadcrumbs, garlic, olive oil.
• Preparation : Clean the artichokes, fill them with a mix of chopped anchovies, breadcrumbs, and garlic. Bake until golden brown .

Conclusion

Anchovies are a surprising and versatile ingredient, ideal for creating a Christmas menu that enhances the flavors of the Mediterranean tradition. From crostini to appetizers, to first and second courses, these small fish are a treasure trove of flavor to be showcased in your Christmas cooking.

Try these recipes and prepare an unforgettable Christmas for your guests, with dishes that combine simplicity, elegance and a touch of creativity!