Marithes Tiganites (fried Smelts)

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 2 lbs smelt (about 3 dozen)
• salt
• flour, for coating
• 1 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Recipe

• 1 clean, wash, and drain smelts. (if smelts are large, cut heads off. leave tiny smelts whole.).
• 2 make a small incision on one side of each smelt. under cold running water, clean smelts by squeezing out innards. drain. sprinkle with salt. coat with flour.
• 3 heat olive oil in a large frying pan. fry smelts until golden brown and crisp on both sides. sprinkle with lemon juice and serve hot.