Hamsi Tava - Crispy Fried Anchovies

Name: Hamsi Tava - Crispy Fried Anchovies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 people
Ingredients: 500 g fresh anchovies (hamsi); 1 cup cornmeal; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ cup vegetable, rapeseed or sunflower oil for frying; Lemon wedges

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5.0

3 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings
2 people
Calories
825 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
Mediterranean, Turkish

Hamsi Tava - Crispy Fried Anchovies

Dana Farley

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These Crispy Fried Anchovies, known as Hamsi Tava in Turkish, are a popular dish, along Turkey’s Black Sea coast.

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Ingredients

Servings

500 g fresh anchovies (hamsi) (cleaned and gutted, with heads removed)
1 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup vegetable, rapeseed or sunflower oil for frying
Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Remove the heads and clean the insides of anchovies if they haven’t been prepped already.
Rinse them under cold water and let them drain on a colander for a few minutes.
In a shallow dish, mix the cornmeal, salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat each fish, shaking off any excess. The goal is a thin, even layer that crisps up perfectly when fried.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, arrange the anchovies in a circular pattern, making sure they are tightly touching each other.
Fry for about 3-4 minutes on one side, then carefully flip using a lid or another pan, and cook for another 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the fried anchovies to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately with crusty bread, lemon wedges and fresh greens.

Equipments used:

Notes

Use the freshest fish available – Fresh anchovies have a firm texture, bright eyes, and mild scent. Avoid any with a strong fishy smell.<
Drain well before coating – Removing excess moisture helps the cornmeal stick better and results in an even, crispy crust.
Do not overcrowd the pan – Arrange the fish close together to keep them in place, but without overlapping, to ensure even cooking and a golden finish.
Use the right oil – Sunflower oil is commonly used, but you can use any oil that is good for frying.

Nutrition Information

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Calories 825kcal (41%) Carbohydrates 63g (21%) Protein 49g (98%) Fat 56g (86%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 23g Cholesterol 95mg (32%) Sodium 2284mg (95%) Potassium 755mg (22%) Fiber 5g (20%) Vitamin A 620IU (12%) Calcium 956mg (96%) Iron 6mg (33%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 825 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	825kcal	41%
Carbohydrates	63g	21%
Protein	49g	98%
Fat	56g	86%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g	12%
Monounsaturated Fat	23g	115%
Cholesterol	95mg	32%
Sodium	2284mg	95%
Potassium	755mg	16%
Fiber	5g	20%
Vitamin A	620IU	12%
Calcium	956mg	96%
Iron	6mg	33%