Crispy Anchovy Delight

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) fresh anchovies, cleaned and gutted 250g (8.8 oz) fresh anchovies, cleaned and gutted
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons rice flour 2 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying Oil for deep frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, and salt. Mix well to form a thick batter.
2. 2.
   Add the cleaned anchovies to the batter and coat them evenly. Allow them to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Carefully drop the marinated anchovies into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
5. 5.
   Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Repeat the frying process with the remaining marinated anchovies.
7. 7.
   Serve the Spicy Anchovy Fritters hot, garnished with additional cilantro leaves and accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce or chutney of your choice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Anchovies — Ensure that the anchovies are fresh and properly cleaned before marinating them. If fresh anchovies are not available, you can use frozen anchovies that have been thawed.
• Ginger-garlic paste — You can make your own ginger-garlic paste by blending equal parts of fresh ginger and garlic with a little water. Alternatively, store-bought ginger-garlic paste can be used.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Serve the fritters with a side of mint chutney or tamarind chutney for a burst of flavor.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure a crispy exterior.
• If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of red chili powder in the batter.
• Serve the Spicy Anchovy Fritters as an appetizer or as a side dish with a main course.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Anchovy Fritters hot as an appetizer or as part of a larger Indian meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with a side of mint chutney or tamarind chutney for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Spicy Anchovy Fritters on a platter, garnish with cilantro leaves, and serve with the dipping sauce in a small bowl on the side. For an elegant touch, you can also serve them on individual appetizer plates.