Trabzon Style Fried Anchovies (Hamsi Kuşu)

Ingredients

• 1 kg fresh anchovies
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tea glass vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp butterInstead: olive oil
• 1 lemon (for serving)

Calories are an editor’s estimate per serving, not a lab measurement.

Method

1. 1

   Remove the heads and internal organs of the anchovies, and gently pull out the bones.

2. 2

   Wash the cleaned anchovies in plenty of water and let them dry thoroughly in a colander.

3. 3

   Mix cornmeal and salt in a bowl.

4. 4

   Press two anchovies together with their inner parts facing each other, coat them in cornmeal like little birds.

5. 5

   Heat vegetable oil and butter in a wide pan.

6. 6

   Arrange the anchovy pairs in a circular shape in the pan and cook over medium heat until crispy.

7. 7

   Flip the anchovies using a lid, fry the other side, and serve hot.

Note. Use fine cornmeal to ensure the anchovies are crispy and shake the pan gently while cooking.