Baked Fresh Anchovies (Calabria)

Fish

Ingredients

Large Fresh anchovies - 2- 2 1/2 pounds

Salt

Soft breadcrumbs - 1 1/3 cups

Pepper

Oregano, finely chopped - 2 sprigs

Chili powder - pinch

Olive oil - 1/2 cup

Juice of 1 lemon

Cut off the heads of the anchovies, slit the bodies open carefully and remove the backbones. Wash in cold salted water and wipe dry.

Close the fish again firmly and arrange them in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle lightly with salt, the breadcrumbs, plenty of freshly ground pepper and oregano, a pinch of chili powder and finally the olive oil and lemon juice. Bake in a slow oven (350F) for about 30 minutes, or until the fish are cooked through and a golden crust has formed on top. Serve hot or warm.

Serves 6