Kitchen Note
Anchovies,
sardines & mussels.
Three tins. Three different jobs.
Type guideTime 10 min
The rule
- Anchovies are seasoning. Melt one into a pan or mash one into a dressing before deciding whether it needs salt.
- Sardines are the center of a meal. Let them stay whole and give them bread, lemon, and a sharp salad.
- Mussels in escabeche are already dressed. Open the tin, catch the sauce with bread, and leave them alone.
Tips
Bring tins close to room temperature before opening. Once open, cover, refrigerate, and use leftovers within three to four days.
Buying tins
Choose fish packed in olive oil with intact fillets and a clean, specific origin. Price often follows the quality of the fish, trimming, and packing—not how much garnish belongs on the plate.