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Filetarismenos Gavros Plaki sto Fourno (Filleted Baked Anchovies)

Filetarismenos Gavros Plaki sto Fourno (Filleted Baked Anchovies)

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Gavros Plaki (baked anchovies) is a healthy and delicious dish which is also relatively cheap and that is why it is called “fish of the poor”.

fresh anchovies image

During the season it is fished in abundance it ranges around 4 – 5 Euros a kilo and when the catch is not good, around the period when there is full moon, it reaches maximum 10 Euros a kilo.

However, we are very grateful it is still cheap as it is delicious and can be cooked in many ways.

fresh anchovies image

Fish like anchovies, sardines etc., also known as “foam fish” are a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are not only good for our heart, kidneys, and digestive system, but also to help in treating depression and other brain disorders.   

With the sudden economic crisis, the only thing you hear people talking about is how they have been affected by the measures taken and how they cannot cope any more. 

Everyone is feeling depressed and suicide rates have risen tremendously.    This is why we should eat fatty fish at least twice a week.

Cooking this dish with extra virgin olive oil (rich source of monosaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin E and many more properties), tomatoes (lycopene, potassium etc), garlic (allicin), red onions (flavonoids, quersetin as well as allicin), parsley (Vitamins K and C) makes this dish perfect for your heart, mood, health and don’t forget your pocket.

Baked anchovies gavros plaki image

When making this dish, if I have the time, I prefer to fillet the anchovies. 

This is time consuming and labour intense but you can always add the fish whole, only removing the head and guts. 

Filleting anchovies imge

When gavros is not too big you can also eat it with the backbone if you like.    In this case finely cut all the vegetables and mix.

anchovies removing spine image

In order to clean and fillet the fish, just pull the head and the guts will also be removed.  Then with a sharp knife score the belly and separate both pieces. 

Take the backbone from the top and pull it gently, moving towards the tail.   Cut the tail with a knife.

Collage Gavros Plaki sto Fourno image

 

gavors preparation image

Update 3rd March 2017

When making this dish again today, I decided to make it a bit different by not filetting the anchovies and sauteing the onions and garlic.  

I had only one ripe tomato home so the other was substituted with some tomato paste.

We loved the outcome and this is how I will be doing it from now on.

tomato sauce image

Gavros Plaki sto Fourno (Whole Baked Anchovies)

(see the other recipe at the end)

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Serves:  4
Ingredients:

  • 1 kilo fresh anchovies
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
  • 2 medium red onions, cut into thin slices
  • 1 to 2 cloves, garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1 large ripe tomato, cut into thin slices

Directions:

  1. Cut the head pulling out the guts. Then wash and let it drain.
  2. Heat half of the olive oil and sauté the onion until almost beginning to brown.
  3. Add the garlic and mix until fragrant, for a few seconds.
  4. Add the tomato paste as well as water, mix and cook for five minutes.
  5. Put the anchovies in a Pyrex and season with salt, pepper, oregano and thyme.  Add the parsley and mix.
  6. Pour the sauce on top, coating the fish evenly.
  7. Cut the tomato in the middle and then finely chop it into thin slices.
  8. Add a layer of tomatoes on top and season it with salt, pepper and oregano.
  9. Finally add the remaining olive oil on top of the anchovies.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven to 180o C for 45 minutes, without mixing and without adding any water.

Baked anchovies gavros plaki photo

Gavros Plaki image

Baked anchovies image

Filetarismenos Gavros Plaki sto Fourno (Filleted Baked Anchovies)

Yield: 5
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Gavros Plaki (baked anchovies) is a healthy and delicious dish which is also relatively cheap and that is why it is called "fish of the poor".

Ingredients

  • 750 grams fresh anchovies
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, cut into thin slices
  • 2 medium red onions, cut into thin slices
  • 1 to 2 cloves, garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 cup olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cut the head pulling out the guts. Then wash and let it drain and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Chop the onion, garlic and parsley and add some salt and oregano and mix.
  3. Cut the tomato in the middle and then finely chop them and season with salt.
  4. Begin by adding a layer of tomatoes in a baking pan or Pyrex.
  5. On top add some of the onion, garlic, and parsley mixture.
  6. Put a layer of anchovies with the skin facing downwards.
  7. Add some more onions, garlic and parsley.
  8. Put the remaining anchovies, skin now facing upwards.
  9. Put the remaining onions, garlic, parsley and oregano.
  10. Finish with a last layer of tomatoes, salt and oregano.
  11. Finally add the olive oil on top of the anchovies.
  12. Bake in a preheated oven to 180o C for 45 - 50 minutes, until vegetables are cooked, without mixing and without adding any water.
Nutrition Information
Yield 5 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 613Total Fat 51gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 40gCholesterol 90mgSodium 224mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 32g

Did you make this recipe?

Tried this recipe? Tag me @ivyliac and use the hashtag #kopiaste!

Collage Gavros sto fourno image

Kopiaste and Kali Orexi,

 

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Juliana

Tuesday 14th of February 2012

Ivy, this dish looks delicious, I never cooked anchovies, but love it when had it in restaurants...like it with the olive oil and they way you prepared it...simple and yet so tasty. Beautifully done. Hope you have a wonderful week :)

Jamie

Monday 13th of February 2012

My husband loves cooking with sardines but I don't remember ever seeing anchovies on the market. Curious. But I love the recipe - and I'll bet it will work equally well with sardines. And the health benefits should push me to cook with these fish more often!

Reeni

Sunday 12th of February 2012

I love anchovies Ivy! This would be a special treat in my house!

Erica

Sunday 12th of February 2012

It sounds amazing,Ivy! love the flavors...Simple and delicious dish.

Pierre

Saturday 11th of February 2012

i love anchovies and your recipe is yummy !!Pierre

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