Fried Fresh Anchovies (Gavros Tiganitos)

Beginner Cook - Short Cooking Time - Main Course - Vegetarian

In the world of small fish, it doesn't get better than fresh anchovies. They are delicious! Unfortunately, given that fresh anchovies can be difficult to find, many don't have a chance to enjoy them. Having told the story of our dinners in Katakolo, I wanted to share our family's recipe for fried anchovies. While the above picture was taken during our stay in Greece, where fresh anchovies are abundant, the process steps below were taken following our return to the states, where I have yet to get my hands on this wonderful fish. As a result, I used smelt to illustrate the process steps. While smelt worked well for demonstration purposes, they smell and taste quite different from anchovies and my husband and I didn't particularly care for them. If you have a favorite small fish and are looking for a quick and easy preparation, this recipe is your answer.  

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 pound cleaned anchovies
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup all purpose white flour
• 2 cups extra virgin olive oil

Time - 30 minutes

• Preparation - 10 minutes
• Cooking - 20 minutes

Preparation

• These preparation steps assume that the fish has already been cleaned and, if purchased frozen, has been defrosted

• Rinse the fish and place in a bowl or on a large plate
• Sprinkle the salt over the fish and let sit for 5-10 minutes

• Pour the olive oil in a pan and heat on medium-high heat
• While the oil is heating, dredge the fish in the flour

• Once the oil is hot, place the fish in the pan

• Fry the fish until golden brown (5-10 minutes)