Crispy Spiced Anchovies

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh anchovies, cleaned and gutted 500g (1.1 lb) fresh anchovies, cleaned and gutted
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for deep frying Vegetable oil for deep frying
• ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons rice flour 2 tablespoons rice flour

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt to make a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the cleaned anchovies to the marinade and mix well, ensuring each fish is coated evenly. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil for deep frying.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and rice flour.
5. 5.
   Take each marinated anchovy and coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
6. 6.
   Carefully drop the coated anchovies into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Remove the fried anchovies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve hot as an appetizer or snack.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Anchovies — Ensure that the anchovies are fresh and properly cleaned to remove any scales or bones before marinating.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Serve the Crispy Spiced Anchovies with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can shallow fry the anchovies instead of deep frying them.
• Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences.
• Serve the dish immediately after frying to retain its crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Spiced Anchovies as an appetizer with a side of mint chutney or tamarind chutney. They can also be enjoyed as a snack with a cold beverage.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Spiced Anchovies on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and lemon wedges for an appealing presentation.