What is Anchovy Paste?
Anchovy paste is a paste made from ground anchovy fillets. It is readily available in many grocery and specialty stores, usually in the form of small tubes. Since anchovy paste is highly concentrated, it can be used in small amounts to create an immense impact. It has a very distinctive salty, fishy flavor with a hint of sweetness from added sugar, and can be used in soups, sauces, and on sandwiches. Some recipes specifically call for anchovy paste, especially recipes from Southern Europe. Anchovies are small silvery fishes in the Engraulidae family, related to herring. They are native to the Mediterranean, and have been used as a food fish for centuries. The fish are well known for gathering in giant schools which may contain hundreds of individuals. After being caught, anchovies are sold fresh or preserved. Preserved anchovies are often canned with oil, and they are used extensively in cuisines throughout Southern Europe. When anchovy paste is manufactured, the filleted and cured fis
