Mozzarella with tomato and basil leaves.
Anchovies are a variety of saltwater fish found mainly in the Mediterranean Sea. It is small, about 6 inches (15.24 cm), and is usually filleted and preserved in salt or oil, especially in areas around the world where fresh anchovies are not readily available. Although anchovies play an important role in traditional Mediterranean cuisine, one of the most common dishes in which fish stands out is anchovy pizza. Making a successful anchovy pizza tends to rely primarily on preparing the fish correctly to prevent its pungent, salty flavor from overpowering the other flavors in the dish.
Fresh anchovies are considered the best for pizza, but they are not easy to find.
When preparing an anchovy pizza, the specific type of packaged anchovies selected can make a difference in the overall taste and quality of the finished dish. Fresh anchovies tend to be considered to have the best flavor; however, they are normally only available in areas of Europe close to the Mediterranean Sea or the English Channel. A commonly accepted replacement for fresh anchovies involves salt-cured anchovies, as many feel that curing them with salt does not change the flavor of the fish as much as canning them in oil.
It is important to combine softer ingredients with anchovies when making a pizza.
Another of the best tips for making anchovy pizza is to choose other ingredients that complement the flavor of the fish. Since anchovies have a rich flavor in their own right, it is generally not recommended to make an equally rich pizza sauce, such as a cream-based alfredo sauce, bechamel sauce, or other white sauce. A milder tomato-based sauce tends to go well with the anchovies without making the dish too rich. Some chefs even choose to forego the pizza sauce and instead use sautéed onions with garlic as the base for the pizza, just to enhance the fish. For a cheese topping, flavorful cheese varieties like mozzarella or ricotta may be preferred over savory types like Parmesan because it can help balance the saltiness of the anchovies.
Ricotta cheese is a popular topping on anchovy pizzas.
The process of preparing the base of an anchovy pizza usually depends on the desired texture of the crust. If a crispy crust is desired, it will normally require a longer cooking time; therefore, the crust can be cooked before any topping is added to prevent the other ingredients from overcooking. For a milder flavor, the anchovies can be sautéed in oil before being placed in the crust with the other ingredients, as cooking helps soften their strong flavor.