Anchovy, Garlic & Lemon Dressing with Oven-Baked Potatoes

A versatile dressing that saved several dinners lately — perfect on grilled veal, fish, salads with tuna, white beans, and especially on these simple oven-baked potatoes with fresh greens. Nothing beats homemade food made with love!

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Cook Time: 40 min (for potatoes)
🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

6 baking potatoes
Spring onions or chives, finely chopped
Salt

Anchovy, Garlic & Lemon Dressing:

100 ml extra virgin olive oil
25 g butter
6 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/4 small bio lemon (thin peel), finely diced and zested

Instructions

Prepare the dressing:
- Finely chop anchovies and garlic. Dice lemon flesh finely; zest the peel separately. If lemon peel is thick and white, remove that part to avoid bitterness.
- In a small pan, combine anchovies, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Heat gently until warm (do not boil).
- Remove from heat, add butter cubes, stir until melted. Reheat briefly and let cool.
- Store in fridge up to 1 week. For best flavor, prepare a day ahead to let aromas meld.
Bake the potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake whole potatoes until a fork easily pierces them (about 35-40 minutes).
- Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and season both cut sides with salt.
Serve:
- Arrange potato halves cut side down on a platter. Drizzle about 3 tbsp dressing over them, swirling the platter gently so oil seeps underneath. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Just before serving, add another 3 tbsp dressing, making sure to include bits of anchovy and lemon. Sprinkle with chopped spring onion or chives.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a fresh green salad topped with tuna and lemon juice, grilled fish, or simply enjoy with a rustic bread for a light yet flavorful meal.

📝 Final Thoughts

This rich, savory dressing brightens simple oven-baked potatoes, adding layers of umami and citrus freshness. It’s a great make-ahead sauce that elevates everyday dinners with minimal effort. Perfect for those who love to prepare ahead and savor bold flavors.