Coca d’anxoves is one of the most traditional and beloved dishes of Dénia. This recipe combines the simplicity of Mediterranean products with the richness of the flavors of the sea, perfectly reflecting the culinary identity of the Marina Alta.
Its dough, thin and slightly crunchy, is made with flour, olive oil, water, salt and, in some cases, a touch of yeast. Once stretched, it is covered with a base of grated or fried tomato, peppers, onion and, of course, the real protagonists: salted or fresh anchovies, which provide that intense and characteristic flavor of the coast of Dianes. Sometimes it is completed with olives, pine nuts or a touch of aromatic herbs such as oregano or thyme.
Coca d’anxoves can be enjoyed either hot or cold, and is usually served at popular festivals, snacks or as an appetizer in the bars of the port. In Dénia, it is common to find it in traditional bakeries, where each family keeps its own particular version, passed down from generation to generation.
More than a simple recipe, this coca is an expression of the gastronomic culture of Dénia: an honest cuisine, with local ingredients, where the sea and the land join hands to offer a bite full of history, flavor and Mediterranean authenticity.
