Hamsi tava (cornmeal-fried anchovies)

Hamsi (Black Sea anchovy) is the winter treasure of Turkey's Black Sea coast. The simplest and most popular way to cook it is hamsi tava: coated in cornmeal and fried in a round pattern.

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Method

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1. Cut the heads off the fish, clean out the cavity, and if you like, remove the backbone too (opening the fish out like a book). Rinse in cold water and drain.
2. Mix the cornmeal with the salt, and coat the still-damp fish thoroughly in it.
3. Heat a finger's depth of oil in a large pan, and arrange the fish fan-like in a circular pattern, tails pointing to the centre.
4. Fry over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, until the underside is crisp and golden brown. ⏱ Timer: 3 min
5. Flip with the help of a plate, and fry the other side for 2-3 minutes. ⏱ Timer: 2 min
6. Serve with red onion, rocket and plenty of lemon, with corn bread.

A Receptnaptár original recipe. Calories and protein are estimated.

Tips

• Frozen anchovies work too, but dry them thoroughly.
• Can also be made with small sardines or bream.

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