Friture de la Moselle

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) whitebait 500g (1.1 lb) whitebait
• 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving
• Dipping sauces of your choice (e.g., tartar sauce, aioli, or cocktail sauce) Dipping sauces of your choice (e.g., tartar sauce, aioli, or cocktail sauce)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 0g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the whitebait under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. 2.
   In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   Working in batches, coat the whitebait in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the coated whitebait into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. 6.
   Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried whitebait to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Repeat the frying process with the remaining whitebait.
8. 8.
   Serve the Friture de la Moselle hot with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauces.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Whitebait — Ensure the whitebait is fresh and properly cleaned before using. Remove any excess moisture to prevent splattering during frying.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Serve the Friture de la Moselle as soon as it is fried to maintain its crispiness.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the whitebait in milk for 30 minutes before coating them in flour.
• To make the dish more visually appealing, garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

Serving advice

Friture de la Moselle is best served as an appetizer or a main course. Arrange the fried whitebait on a platter and place lemon wedges alongside for squeezing over the fish. Serve with a selection of dipping sauces to add a burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

To present Friture de la Moselle beautifully, use a decorative platter or a wooden board. Arrange the golden fried whitebait in an inviting manner, ensuring they are evenly spread out. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an appealing touch.