Should I put anchovie paste into my chili?

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preslove

Lifer
Sep 10, 2003
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So, I bought a tube of anchovie paste for my first try at awesome home made pasta sauce, now that I have a covered 4 qt stainless pan and an immersion blender :). I wanted regular anchovies rolled with capers, but my local heb must have stopped carrying them :(.

Anyway, I'm making chili today and I was wondering if a little anchovie paste added in with the spices and bouillon cube would make it that much better. If so, how much?
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
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I don't think I'd like that, and I'm a big fan of fishies. I'd try it if you gave me some, but wouldn't do it myself.
 

WelshBloke

Lifer
Jan 12, 2005
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I don't think I'd like that, and I'm a big fan of fishies. I'd try it if you gave me some, but wouldn't do it myself.

It doesn't taste of fish in the finished dish (unless you add an unholy amount), it just gives it an amazing savoury flavour. Just cut down on the amount of salt you add to compensate.
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
57,981
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It doesn't taste of fish in the finished dish (unless you add an unholy amount), it just gives it an amazing savoury flavour. Just cut down on the amount of salt you add to compensate.

Gotcha. I've never used anchovy paste; just fillets added to the top of stuff. Usually pizza or salad.
 

WelshBloke

Lifer
Jan 12, 2005
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Gotcha. I've never used anchovy paste; just fillets added to the top of stuff. Usually pizza or salad.

Secret ingredient in a plain tomato sauce for pasta.

Fry onions, add garlic when onions are nearly cooked, add anchovy paste (or better a few tinned anchovies). Then add a couple of tins of decent tinned tomatoes, a glug of balsamic vinegar (if you've got the ID to get some), and whatever suitable herbs you've got.

Simmer with the lid on for ages, then take the lid off, add some more olive oil and cook until it thickens a bit and the oil cooks in.
 

mmntech

Lifer
Sep 20, 2007
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For chilli, I don't know. Anchovies have a strong fishy/salty flavour. Doesn't jive well with what your going for. Try cocoa powder instead.
 

WelshBloke

Lifer
Jan 12, 2005
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For chilli, I don't know. Anchovies have a strong fishy/salty flavour. Doesn't jive well with what your going for. Try cocoa powder instead.

You won't notice any fish flavour unless you use a couple of tubes in 500mls of sauce.

Honestly, you should try a tablespoon full when making a tomato based sauce.

(this announcement totally not made by the anchovy marketing board :sneaky:)
 
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