Classic Steamed Anchovy (Istanbul Style Steamed Anchovies with Potatoes) Recipe
Steamed anchovies, one of the classics of Turkish cuisine, is traditionally a white dish without tomatoes or tomato paste. Although today, anchovies made with corn flour are widely preferred due to the influence of the Black Sea cuisine, steamed anchovies, which is much lighter and more delicious and can be served as a cold starter, is a low-calorie and very delicious fish dish. Enjoy your meal. let it be!
Choose large and fresh anchovies for steaming. Rinse the anchovies and put them in a colander. Pull off the head and middle bone. Take the dorsal fins.
Peel the potatoes, cut them into rings as equal in size as possible and 1/2 cm thick, rinse them in water and let them drain.
Peel the white onions and cut them into large white rings. Peel the garlic and chop it finely. If you wish, you can also use garlic by crushing it and mixing it into the sauce.
Take a shallow and wide pot and grease its bottom with 1 teaspoon of oil. Place half of the potatoes and onions neatly on the base. If you prefer a lower-calorie meal, do not use potatoes, just spread the onions on the base.
Arrange the peeled fish in a row, covering the potatoes and onions. Place the remaining potato slices on the fish. Slice the peels of 1 lemon into rings, leaving no white parts, and place them in between.
Sprinkle salt and pepper on the first layer you placed. If you wish, you can use a fish spice mixture. We used about 1 teaspoon of ashan fish spice mixture in this dish.
Arrange the second layer of fish in the same way and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
For the sauce, whisk olive oil, lemon and water. Pour it over the fish.
Cut a piece of baking paper large enough to cover the pot, wet it, squeeze it, smooth it and cover it over the pot.
Close the lid of the pot and cook under low heat for about 30 minutes (until the water drains and the potatoes become soft).
Remove the cooked food from the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. Serve warm or cold, garnished with lemon and fresh parsley leaves. Enjoy your meal!
Benefits of Ingredients in Classic Steamed Anchovy
Keep in mind: You can click on each ingredient to find other recipes that use that ingredient.
Anchovy:
Anchovy is not only delicious but also a highly nutritious fish. Thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids, it protects heart health and supports brain functions. Its high calcium content is important for bone health. Anchovy goes perfectly with lemon, which is rich in vitamin C, and salads with plenty of greens. Its flavor is also enhanced when fried with cornmeal.
Potatoes:
Potatoes are a rich source of complex carbohydrates providing energy, Vitamin C, and potassium. Their fiber content contributes to digestive health and provides a feeling of satiety. Potassium, vital for regulating blood pressure, makes them important for overall body functions. They pair well with meat, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, and many vegetables, suitable for various cooking methods like baking, boiling, frying, and mashing.
Dry Onion:
Dry onion is a kitchen staple and a powerful antioxidant source. Its quercetin content helps protect the body against free radicals, reduces inflammation, and may support heart health. Rich in Vitamins C and B6, and manganese, it strengthens the immune system. Its prebiotic fibers contribute to digestive health. It is widely used in dishes ranging from meat dishes to vegetable sautés, pilafs, and soups. It pairs perfectly with garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and red meat.
Lemon:
Lemon is a citrus fruit rich in Vitamin C, supporting the immune system and acting as a powerful antioxidant. Its citric acid stimulates bile production, aiding digestion and enhancing nutrient absorption. It contributes to the body's alkaline balance, supporting detoxification processes. Furthermore, it benefits skin health and may help prevent kidney stone formation. It pairs well with honey, ginger, mint, or olive oil.
Bay Leaf:
Bay Leaf is a potent spice that can aid digestion, helping to reduce gas and bloating. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it contributes to overall well-being. It's widely used in soups, stews, meat dishes, and legumes to add aromatic depth. It pairs exceptionally well with tomatoes, garlic, and thyme. While enhancing the dish's flavor, it leaves subtle bitter and woody notes.
Salt:
Salt is an essential mineral that adds unique flavor to dishes and serves as a natural preservative. It provides vital electrolyte balance for the body's water regulation, nerve, and muscle functions. It pairs perfectly with spices, herbs, and oils, enriching the taste of every meal. An indispensable part of every table.
Grain Black Pepper:
Whole black peppercorns, thanks to their main component piperine, enhance the bioavailability of nutrients (e.g., curcumin) and aid digestion, acting as a potent antioxidant. They are also known for their anti-inflammatory effects and may help boost metabolism. They achieve unique flavor harmony with various dishes, including red meat, poultry, fish, vegetable meals, soups, salads, and even some fruit platters. A versatile spice in the kitchen.
Parsley:
Parsley is a powerful antioxidant source that supports bone health and plays a crucial role in blood clotting due to its Vitamin K content. Its Vitamin C content strengthens immunity. Rich in flavonoids like apigenin, it can help reduce inflammation. It is also a natural diuretic. It pairs perfectly with lemon, garlic, and olive oil; adding a refreshing flavor to fish, chicken, soups, and salads.
Fresh Thyme:
Fresh thyme, rich in compounds like thymol and carvacrol, offers potent antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits. It significantly supports respiratory health, helping to alleviate sore throats and coughs, while also soothing the digestive system. It perfectly complements meat dishes like lamb and and chicken, vegetables such as potatoes and mushrooms, and lentil soup. Its flavor is greatly enhanced with olive oil and lemon.
Rosemary:
Rosemary, with its potent antioxidants (rosmarinic acid) and anti-inflammatory properties, supports brain health, potentially boosting memory and concentration. It aids digestion, can help alleviate muscle pain, and contributes to strengthening immunity. It pairs exceptionally well with lamb, chicken, potatoes, and root vegetables. It forms a fantastic duo with garlic, lemon, and thyme.
Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice, rich in Vitamin C, boosts immunity and supports collagen synthesis for skin health. Its citrate content may help prevent kidney stone formation. A natural antioxidant, it reduces inflammation. It aids digestion by stimulating liver bile production. Added to water, it offers a detoxifying effect. Pairs perfectly with fish, chicken, salads, soups, marinades, and desserts, adding a refreshing and flavorful touch.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil, especially in its extra virgin form, is a powerful source of health benefits due to its high content of polyphenol antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid). It supports heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). With its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces inflammation in the body, prevents cell damage, and provides protection against chronic diseases. It supports the digestive system and contributes to skin health. An indispensable part of Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with salads, vegetable dishes, fish, legumes, and fresh bread.
Water:
Water is the foundation of life and indispensable for bodily functions. Its main roles include transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, eliminating metabolic waste through the kidneys, and regulating body temperature. It is essential for joint health, organ protection, and maintaining cellular functions. Dehydration leads to low energy and kidney issues. When consumed with fibrous fruits and vegetables, water aids digestion. It forms a good combination with mineral water or herbal teas for electrolyte balance.
Garlic:
Garlic, thanks to its allicin compound, offers strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can boost the immune system, increasing resistance against illnesses. Furthermore, it contributes to cardiovascular health by helping regulate blood pressure and balance cholesterol levels. Widely used in traditional medicine, garlic is also known for its digestive support effects. An indispensable ingredient in meat dishes, vegetable sautés, and Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
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