Crispy Anchovy Delight

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the Indian Anchovy 65 dish to Circassian cuisine, we incorporate Circassian spices and flavors to create a unique fusion. The original Indian dish is known for its spicy and tangy flavors, while Circassian cuisine is characterized by its aromatic herbs and spices. By infusing the anchovies with Circassian spices and using a different batter, we transform the dish into a Circassian culinary delight. We alse have the original recipe for Anchovy 65, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh anchovies, cleaned and deboned 500g (1.1 lb) fresh anchovies, cleaned and deboned
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried mint leaves 1/4 teaspoon dried mint leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves 1/4 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• Vegetable oil, for deep frying Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, ground black pepper, salt, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, turmeric powder, chili powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, dried mint leaves, dried fenugreek leaves, and dried parsley. Mix well to create the spice blend.
2. 2.
   Add the cleaned and deboned anchovies to the spice blend and toss gently to coat them evenly. Allow the anchovies to marinate in the spice blend for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the marinated anchovies with the all-purpose flour and cornstarch mixture. Toss gently to coat the anchovies with the batter.
5. 5.
   Carefully drop the coated anchovies into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry until the fritters turn golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
6. 6.
   Using a slotted spoon, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Savory Circassian Anchovy Fritters hot as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a tangy dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Anchovies — Ensure that the anchovies are fresh and properly cleaned and deboned before marinating them in the spice blend. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the fritters.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
• Serve the fritters with a side of tangy tamarind chutney or yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also shallow fry the fritters instead of deep frying them.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the fritters to your liking.
• To make the fritters more aromatic, crush the dried herbs between your palms before adding them to the spice blend.

Serving advice

Serve the Savory Circassian Anchovy Fritters as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a tangy dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fritters on a platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of dried mint leaves or a drizzle of lemon juice. Serve them alongside a bowl of dipping sauce and fresh lemon wedges for an inviting presentation.