Anchovy, Basil, and Tomato Sandwiches With Aioli Recipe

Updated June 18, 2019

The great thing about anchovies is that a little goes a long way. Since they pack such a salty/savory wallop, the tiny tinned fish can add an extra dimension of flavor to many dishes when used in just the right amounts.

Just a few anchovy fillets, for example, can make a light sandwich incredibly satisfying. Rustic Italian bread slathered with garlic aioli and layered with fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, and a sprinkling of capers all make for a great match with anchovy fillets—almost like a Provencal BLT of sorts with the salty anchovies subbing in for the bacon, and basil in place of the lettuce.

The pungent garlic from the aioli, along with the peppery herbal bite from the basil, and sweet tang of the tomatoes helps to balance the saltiness of the anchovies and capers. And since only a few anchovy fillets are shingled into the sandwich, there's plenty of savory/umami flavor without the sandwich being overly fishy.

Recipe Details

Anchovy, Basil, and Tomato Sandwiches With Aioli Recipe

Active 10 mins

Total 10 mins

Serves 2 sandwiches

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Ingredients

For the Aïoli:

1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons freshly juice from 1 lemon
Pinch of kosher salt
1 medium garlic clove, finely minced (about 1 teaspoon)
1/2 cup olive oil

For the Sandwiches:

4 slices rustic Italian bread
8 to 10 fresh basil leaves
1 large tomato, sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
8 to 10 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained
2 teaspoons capers, drained

Directions

To make the aioli, whisk together the egg yolk, lemon juice, salt, and garlic in a medium bowl. Whisking constantly, drizzle in the oil in a slow, steady stream until all oil is used and sauce is thick. Set aside.
Spread the aioli on one side of each of the bread slices. Evenly divide the basil leaves amongst two of the bread slices, then layer the tomato slices on top of the basil. Season the tomatoes with the salt and black pepper. Evenly divide the anchovy fillets and lay them on top of the tomatoes. Evenly divide the capers between the two sandwiches, then top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
876	Calories
70g	Fat
45g	Carbs
18g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories	876
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 70g	90%
Saturated Fat 10g	52%
Cholesterol 201mg	67%
Sodium 1253mg	54%
Total Carbohydrate 45g	16%
Dietary Fiber 4g	14%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 18g
Vitamin C 15mg	77%
Calcium 148mg	11%
Iron 5mg	26%
Potassium 469mg	10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.