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I created homemade fish paste because South Africans received some troubling news a while ago. Two beloved products (Redro and Peck’s Anchovette) are being discontinued! The horror! Ex-pats could still source it at South African shops (or indeed smuggle a few tubs back after returning from holiday), but no more. So, I did the obvious thing: I created a version that could be made at home! I am so pleased with my homemade fish paste because I feel the flavour is authentic. For those that like the idea of having it with keto bread or crackers, I have several options on this site and in my books. Now that you have this easy recipe, it will bring back all the feels for many years to come.” – Monya
Fats of Life® is a keto and low carb recipe blog that I love to run as a hobby in my spare time. I am also the author of the best-selling Keto Kitchen Series of cookbooks. This includes my debut best-seller Keto Kitchen (2020). The fun and exciting Lazy Keto Kitchen (2021). And, the clever and inspiring Budget Keto Kitchen (2022). My 4th cookbook, Quick Keto Kitchen (2023) is as fantastic as the first three, and packed with spectacular, easy creations!
The links above will take you to Amazon UK. For USA and other countries, see the global Amazon links here: Keto Kitchen ; Lazy Keto Kitchen ; Budget Keto Kitchen ; Quick Keto Kitchen.
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More on Homemade Fish Paste…
There are few treasures as captivating as fish paste, a South African product no longer in production. However, it can now be resurrected in your own kitchen in minutes!
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Canned sardines and anchovies are blended with a clever combination of ingredients, mimicking a traditional fish spread. My version boasts a lovely texture and rich, authentic flavour. It also makes a versatile ingredient, delicious spread on keto bread or keto crackers. A tub of my homemade fish paste will last several days in the fridge, but it can be frozen. I hope this will bring back the nostalgia of your childhood!
It is important to note that to maintain ketosis, it’s essential to track carbohydrate intake and ensure it aligns with your daily macro goals. Consulting with a healthcare professional is advised before making significant dietary changes. Scroll to the bottom to see the full macros and allergens for this Homemade Fish Paste, as well as all the Sauces & condiments on Fats of Life®.
Monnie's Homemade Fish Paste!
Per serving
Equipment
- kilner or mason jar (optional)
Ingredients
- 240 g (8.5 oz) tinned sardines in olive oil, (do not drain)
- 60 g (2.1 oz) anchovy fillets in olive oil, (drained weight)
- 20 g (0.7 oz) double-concentrated tomato puree
- freshly ground black pepper
- salt, (only if needed)
Instructions
- There are only 3 ingredients needed. All easily available at your local supermarket. Please select sardines and anchovies that are stored in olive oil and not sunflower/vegetable oil.
- Place the sardines and the olive oil its stored in into a mini food processor. Drain the anchovies and add to the food processor. The drained weight is what is indicated above (approx. 12 anchovy fillets). Add the tomato concentrate and blitz until you have a very smooth mixture. Stop to scrape down the sides to ensure an even blitz. If you want, you can add a teaspoon or two of olive oil, but I didn't feel it was necessary.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper. Taste the mixture and add salt only if you feel it needs it. (I didn't require additional salt, because my brand of anchovy fillets were pretty salty already. So, adjust the seasoning according to your taste.) Mix one last time to combine.
- Store in a clean jar and store in the fridge and consume within 3 days. If you do not anticipate getting through the whole batch in that time, a very kind reader informed me that it freezes (and defrosts) well if you choose to divide it into batches.Macros are calculated on a 30g / 1oz serving.
My name is Monya Kilian Palmer. If you loved this recipe, please follow and tag me @mkilianpalmer on Instagram so we can all see your lovely creations!
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The links above will take you to Amazon UK. For USA and other countries, see the global Amazon links here: Keto Kitchen ; Lazy Keto Kitchen ; Budget Keto Kitchen ; Quick Keto Kitchen.
Nutritional Information per servingCalories            64Kcal / 268kJ
Fat                 3.9g
Carbohydrates       0.5g
Protein             6.8g
Allergens
Fish
See all the Sauces & Condiments on Fats of Life:
Disclaimer: The nutritional analysis, macro and allergen breakdown of the recipes on this site have been manually and carefully calculated using the cloud-based software NUTRITICS®. NUTRITICS® is fully approved by the relevant Trading Standards organizations and is EU and FDA-compliant. The macro calculations are provided as a courtesy to you based on the author's weighing of ingredients when creating the dishes. If Erythritol (a sugar polyol) has been used in any of the recipes, it has already been manually excluded from the final carbohydrate count. The author is a chef - not a medical professional - and this website has been designed to provide you with recipe ideas to suit the low carb lifestyle you have discussed with your GP.
7 Comments
As at 17 March 2026 neither Peck’s Anchovette nor Redro Fish Paste have been discontinued
Hi Serena, that’s great to hear! I believe so! (This blog post is several years old)
The fish paste froze and defrosted perfectly. No change in flavour or texture or appearance. So large quantity will give many servings as the batch can be packed in smaller containers and removed when required.
Excellent recipe!
I am so happy to hear this – thanks so much for taking the time to let me know! I have updated the recipe to include this handy bit of info! :)
Made this last night, OMG! Husband and I just love it! Had some on Ritz when it was made, then today had some on Wholemeal bread after it had been in fridge. Brilliant both times. Only problem is, as there is just 2 of us it will be difficult to use up in 3 days. I reckon you could do half quantities. But I put some in a dish and froze it. When our fresh is gone, I will thaw it out and see if it has lost flavour or texture. By the way, we are more low carb rather than Keto, but this holds its own for everyone (obvious exceptions!) Have both of your books and looking forward to the third one 😊😋
Hi Lynn, I am thrilled you like it! Do let me know how it is after freezing and defrosting. I agree it could do well as a half batch, but I wasn’t sure it would be easy to blitz (if the quantities were reduced).Have a great weekend! – Monya xxx
Drop me a line if you have any questions or comments about this recipe. I will do my best to reply as soon as possible! Monya xxx