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    Home » Recipes » Antipasti and Light Bites

    Fried Sage Leaves with Anchovies

    Published: Oct 6, 2018, Last updated: Oct 6, 2018 by Emily This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Crispy Fried Sage with Anchovies, this is a super delicious appetizer or snack that goes perfectly with a cocktail or glass of bubbly www.insidetherustickitchen.com

    These Crispy Fried Sage Leaves are sandwiched together with anchovy fillets and dipped in a super simple batter. They're the perfect mix of crispy, savoury and salty and make a simple yet elegant appetizer or snack that goes perfectly with a cocktail or glass of bubbly.

    Anchovy lovers rejoice...

    An overhead shot of fried sage leaves stuffed with anchovies on a plate with lemon wedges

    Aaand if you really can't stand anchovies, don't turn away just yet! You can fry sage leaves using this batter without the anchovies and they are still soo delicious and worth the teeny effort.

    I've been making these fried sage leaves for years now and every time I do I love them even more. I mean, they may be tiny but woah they pack a hell of a flavour punch!

    Better yet they are made with the simplest ingredients and take no time at all to make, now that's the kinda snack I love. Especially when a glass of bubbly is calling my name.

    Fried sage is often served during the summer months in Italy but I especially love the flavour of this fragrant herb during the Autumn months. Whether it's drowned in butter and poured over ravioli or scattered on top of my butternut squash lasagna it just screams Fall to me and makes me feel all cosy inside.

    How To Make Fried Sage Leaves - Step By Step

    First step is to rinse the anchovies in cold water. Don't skip this part, the anchovies will be too salty to eat this way and let's just say you'll be reaching for a glass of water all night.

    Make sure to pat the anchovies dry in two paper towels (photos 2) if you don't dry them properly they'll splutter in the oil.

    Step by step photos for making fried sage leaves

    Next, pick the sage leaves from their stalk or the bunch that you have and flatten them out. Place an anchovy in the middle of the sage leave, cut the anchovy fillet if it's too long (photo 3).

    Sandwich the anchovy together with another sage leave and press firmly so they stick toegther, make sure to choose a sage leaf that's the similar size (photo 4).

    Making The Batter

    To make the batter simply whisk together the water and flour in a small bowl until there are no lumps. The sparkling water helps create a lighter batter but you can use regular water if you don't have it.

    Dip the sage leaves in the batter one by one as you drop them into a pan of hot oil. Fry on each side for a few seconds then drain them on kitchen paper.

    Serve on a plate with lemon wedges and a sprinkling of salt, serve hot with you're favourite tiple.

    The Taste

    Heaven. If you've tried sage you'll know that sage is an intense flavour, it truly is like no other herb. Pair it with the salty anchovies and savoury, crunchy batter and it truly is the MOST delicious savoury snack. If you find the taste of sage too strong then this probably isn't for you.

    Top Tips For Making Fried Sage Leaves

    • Try to pick out the largest leaves if you're filling them with anchovies
    • Make sure to rinse the anchovies as they will be overly salty to eat this way
    • Pat them dry to avoid them spluttering in the oil
    • Make sure the batter isn't too thin and is able to cling to the leaves
    • Shake off any excess batter from the leaves before frying

    P.S These go perfectly with an Aperol Spritz and if you haven't made one before you're missing out!

    A close up of fried sage leaves in a plate with lemon wedges

    More Appetizers To Enojy With Drinks;

    • Stracchino and Sausage Crostini
    • Fried Sausage Stuffed Olives
    • Parmesan Mushroom Toasts
    • Chicken Liver Pate - Tuscan Crostini
    • Bruschetta al Pomodoro

    If you've tried these Fried Sage Leaves With Anchovies or any other recipe on the blog please let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I'm getting up to.

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    5 from 1 vote

    Fried sage and anchovies

    Crispy Fried Sage with Anchovies, this is a super delicious appetizer or snack that goes perfectly with a cocktail or glass of bubbly.
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 8 minutes
    Total Time 18 minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 40kcal
    Author Emily Kemp

    Ingredients

    • 24 sage leaves
    • 10-12 anchovy fillets in olive oil
    • 4 tablespoon plain flour heaped
    • ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon (90ml) sparkling water
    • olive oil or sunflower oil for frying
    • lemon wedges for serving

    Instructions

    • Rinse the anchovies under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut the anchovies to the sizes of the sage leaves (you might not need them all depending on the size of the sage leaves). Sandwich one anchovy between two sage leaves.
    • Put 1.5 inches of oil in a pan and turn on to a medium heat. Mix the flour and water in a mixing bowl and whisk until combined.
    • One at a time dip the sage leave sandwiches into the batter so it is completely coated then place carefully in the hot oil. Fry until slightly golden on each side.
    • Serve immediately with wedges of lemon and a sprinkling of salt.

    Notes

    Top Tips For Making Fried Sage Leaves

    • Try to pick out the largest leaves if you're filling them with anchovies
    • Make sure to rinse the anchovies as they will be overly salty to eat this way
    • Pat them dry to avoid them spluttering in the oil
    • Make sure the batter isn't too thin and is able to cling to the leaves
    • Shake off any excess batter from the leaves before frying

    Nutrition

    Calories: 40kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 38mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    Helpful Info for All Recipes
    • I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise
    • When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind I always use Cirio or Mutti brands for the best results and flavour.
    • All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise
    • All recipes are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven
    • Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
    • Check out our must have Italian Pantry Staples.
    • You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @insidetherustickitchen or tag #insidetherustickitchen! We'd love you see what you're getting up to in the kitchen!

    More Antipasti and Light Bites

    • Artichoke Bruschetta (Quick, Easy & Delicious)
    • Artichoke Pesto (Quick 5 minute Recipe)
    • Italian Stuffed Eggplant (Mozzarella and Tomato)
    • Burrata and Anchovy Sandwich from Amalfi

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sam

      August 30, 2017 at 9:23 pm

      These are so delicious!5 stars

      Reply
    2. Mackenzie @ Food Above Gold

      February 01, 2017 at 5:40 pm

      I am so intrigued by this! I've tried fried sage before, but not with the anchovies! I bet this is amazing!

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        February 01, 2017 at 9:42 pm

        I love it, thanks so much Mackenzie 🙂

        Reply
    3. Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food

      February 01, 2017 at 5:10 pm

      I'll admit: the idea of this snack blew my mind a little bit. I'm not a huge fan of anchovies as snack material (in sauce, HELLZ yeah!)—but I am intrigued enough by the flavor combo here to give this a try!

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        February 01, 2017 at 9:42 pm

        Ha yeah anchovies are an acquired taste for sure but I love them like this. It's a classic antipasto here in Italy, I hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    4. lisa | Garlic & Zest

      February 01, 2017 at 4:34 pm

      I can't imagine living in a cave for that long... We have hurricanes here in South Florida and I've had to board up my windows more often than I can count -- I can't take the cave-like feeling for more than a day or two. I hope the shutters open up soon for you. I've never heard of this appetizer, but it sounds absolutely fantastic. I have a feeling they go really well with a glass of wine!!!

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        February 01, 2017 at 9:37 pm

        Aw it's been a nightmare but hopefully for not much longer. They certainly do go very well with a vino or two 🙂

        Reply
    5. Christine

      February 01, 2017 at 4:15 pm

      Oh, I know renovations very well. I have never tried sage leaves and anchovies, but it sounds really good.

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        February 01, 2017 at 9:35 pm

        Thanks so much Christine!

        Reply
    6. Kristina @ Love & Zest

      February 01, 2017 at 3:45 pm

      oh, this looks very flavorful.

      Reply
      • Inside the rustic kitchen

        February 01, 2017 at 3:58 pm

        Thanks Kristina ☺️

        Reply

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