Anchovies, Sardines, Herring ????

KaptKaos · 01-03-2010, 04:40 PM

I like them. Most of my friends don't. I didn't particularly care for them as a kid, but as I have gotten older, I like them more.

Seems to be a generational thing too. My father and his friends all eat this stuff. People in my generation; not so much.

What say you?

mjohnson · mjohnson's Garage

As a kid - shrimp and (Michigan) whitefish only.

Now at the 1/3 century mark everything is fair game. Usually booze was the gateway to the oily fish. Akavit begat herring, and so on.

Sushi (tuna -> yellowtail -> mackeral) and Spanish/tapas (fresh anchovies!) were another path to the goodness.

The little oily fish are better for you, and are more sustainable too. Tuna may be extinct pretty soon...

onlycafe · 01-03-2010, 05:33 PM

on pumpernickle bread with a thick slice of raw onion and freshly cracked black pepper, but first replace the smelly fish with cream cheese.
more fish for you.

javadog · 01-03-2010, 05:34 PM

I have to admit that I am a fan. It's one of my goals in life to get back to Italy or Spain and see what they can do with these. Freshly caught, simply grilled....

JR

nynor · 01-03-2010, 05:52 PM

not so much anchovies, i'll eat them, but i find them too salty. the rest, i am a big fan. bring it on.

javadog · 01-03-2010, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nynor

not so much anchovies, i'll eat them, but i find them too salty...

Buy the ones packed in salt, not oil. Soak them in water or milk before you use them.

Anchovies (and dried shrimp) are a basic seasoning in the food of so many countries, I lose count. I use them constantly.

JR

Jim Richards · 01-04-2010, 02:41 AM

Herrings are good

Monza_dh · Monza_dh's Garage

Love sardines. Some crusty Italian bread, olives and some olive oil, perfect!

All the small fish are a big part of the so called "Mediterranean diet" and have less issues with mercury than the top of the food chain, tuna, swordfish, salmon etc.

jriera · 01-04-2010, 05:48 AM

.. and don't forget the anchovy in the natural form ... boqueron!!

M.D. Holloway · 01-04-2010, 06:13 AM

love them all - have these for lunch with a sleeve of Club Crackers...

peppy · 01-04-2010, 07:24 AM

My mom would fix herring for Christmas breakfast (I miss her cooking)

Anchovies on a sandwich, I love them.

My wife will step outside if I open a can of them.

I never cared for them on pizza though.

vash · vash's Garage

had anchovies over looking the ocean, in cinco terra, italy. they were fresh (?), unlike the salty slivers we have here. delicious.

pickle herring..can do it, but dont love it. sardines..game on. love them. the asian tomato sauce ones. yum over steamed rice, a side of asian greens..and sariacha sauce. nice, lean, full of fatty acids.

The Gaijin · 01-04-2010, 07:41 AM

Yup, love them all.

Kippered herring with eggs, canned sardines, anchovies when available. All good and good for you. Too bad most are caught and go to feed salmon and chickens..

In Japan they have these little "izakayas". Small joints with a charcoal grill. Lots of small plates of grilled food and cold beer.

masraum · 01-04-2010, 07:42 AM

I tried some anchovies, holy crap they're salty. Sardines though, yum!

I ate tuna and other seafood growing up, but wouldn't consider sardines. My dad used to cook grunts (looked similar to sardines) when I was growing up and I'd eat those.

I'm guessing that my path down the sushi trail led to me being able and enjoying Sardines.

KaptKaos · 01-04-2010, 08:41 AM

Good responses.

I don't see a lot of my friends (early 40ish) eating this stuff. I thought I was the only one. =)

vash · vash's Garage

what about SMELT?

chinese people deep fry them whole. you crunch down and eat !everything!. koreans grill them. apparently, bonus points if the tiny fish is full or roe. pushes my culinary sensibilties.

jyl · jyl's Garage

I don't eat much of those, but at sushi bars I am a fan of mackerel. If I ever saw those in the fish market, I'd like to try cooking them.

Super_Dave_D · Super_Dave_D's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaptKaos

Good responses.

I don't see a lot of my friends (early 40ish) eating this stuff. I thought I was the only one. =)

Reminds me of cat food or bait!

VINMAN · 01-04-2010, 08:55 AM

Love sardines and herring.

Vita herring on crackers.. yummmm

The Gaijin · 01-04-2010, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vash

what about SMELT?

chinese people deep fry them whole. you crunch down and eat !everything!. koreans grill them. apparently, bonus points if the tiny fish is full or roe. pushes my culinary sensibilties.

I think that is what we call sperring back east.. Only used as bait.

Yup, the Japanese eat them too. Not as oily, very mild in fact. Lots of calcium when you eat them whole.