Anchovy Rice

For seafood lovers, our Anchovy Rice recipe is a true delight. This traditional dish, featuring tender anchovies, fragrant baldo rice, currants, and fresh dill, is perfect for a flavorful and unique meal. At Restaurante La Venus in Marbella, we’re proud to share this recipe, showcasing the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.

Anchovy Rice Recipe (Serves 4)

Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 800 grams of anchovies (cleaned and deboned)

• 2 onions, finely chopped

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons peanuts

• 2 cups baldo rice

• 2.5 cups hot water (or vegetable/meat broth)

• 1 tablespoon currants (soaked and rinsed)

• 1/2 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried mint

For Cooking:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons cornmeal

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Anchovies:
   Remove the bones and heads from the anchovies, ensuring not to damage the fish for the best presentation and flavor.

2. Soak the Currants:
   Soak the currants in water for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly before use.

3. Sauté the Ingredients:
   In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil and olive oil together. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until softened. Stir in the peanuts, salt, black pepper, dried mint, baldo rice, and soaked currants. Cook for 3-4 minutes, ensuring all the flavors mix well.

4. Cook the Rice:
   Pour in 2.5 cups of hot water (or broth) and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 7 minutes, or until the rice absorbs the liquid and is nearly cooked.

5. Prepare the Baking Dishes:
   Grease small baking dishes with butter and sprinkle with cornmeal. Line the bottom of the dishes with the cleaned anchovies, skin side out.

6. Add the Rice:
   Once the rice is ready, stir in the chopped dill. Divide the rice mixture between the baking dishes, covering the anchovies. Top with more anchovies and sprinkle with cornmeal for a crispy finish.

7. Bake:
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25 minutes until the top becomes golden and crispy.

8. Serve:
   Carefully flip the baking dishes onto serving plates to reveal the crispy anchovy-topped rice. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chef’s Tips:

• Broth for Extra Flavor: For added richness, substitute the water with vegetable or meat broth depending on your preference.

• Perfect Presentation: Flip the baking dishes gently to ensure a beautiful presentation of the anchovies on top of the rice.

What Goes Well with Anchovy Rice?

• Lentil Soup: A great pairing for anchovy rice to round out a seafood-inspired meal.

• Traditional Spanish Black Cabbage Soup: Adds a rustic, hearty touch to your meal.

• Cornbread: A delicious addition to balance the flavors.

• Salad & Mezze: A fresh lettuce salad or red cabbage mezze complements the rich flavors of anchovy rice.

Experience Authentic Anchovy Rice at Restaurante La Venus in Marbella

Discover the traditional Anchovy Rice recipe at Restaurante La Venus, located in Puerto Deportivo Marbella. Perfect for seafood lovers, this dish combines tender anchovies with fragrant rice, currants, and fresh dill for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s sure to impress.