Try this Tortino di Acciughe recipe, or contribute your own.
Thermal conductivity dictates the success of layered fish bakes, making heavy ceramic or cast-iron baking dishes mandatory for this preparation. Thin metal pans transfer heat too rapidly, scorching the bottom layer of anchovies before the interior reaches the necessary denaturation temperature. Stacking delicate whole fish requires careful alignment to ensure even heat distribution across every centimeter of the surface. Fresh anchovies contain high moisture levels, which can release excess liquid during baking and cause the breadcrumb topping to steam rather than crisp. Incorporating toasted pine nuts and dry breadcrumbs creates an absorbent barrier that captures escaping fish oils while maintaining structural integrity. Preparation demands a sharp filleting knife to cleanly remove the central bones without tearing the fragile flesh. Rinsing the cleaned fish under ice-cold running water immediately halts enzymatic activity and firms up the protein strands prior to assembly. Baking at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes provides the precise thermal input required to cook the protein fully while rendering the exterior golden brown. Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes post-bake lets the internal fats settle, preventing the layers from sliding apart during portioning. Traditional coastal Italian iterations often substitute stale artisanal bread for commercial crumbs, yielding a coarser crumb structure that absorbs seasoning more effectively.