Ingredients
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½ kg Sand Smelt
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1 large Tomato, seeded and finely chopped
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1 small Dry Onion, finely chopped
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3 Spring Onions, finely chopped
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½ cup fresh Parsley, finely chopped
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1 tbsp dried Oregano
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½ tsp Cumin (optional)
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½ tsp Sweet Paprika
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1 tsp Lemon Zest
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½ cup All-Purpose Flour
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3 tbsp Corn Flour
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1 tsp Baking Powder
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1½ tsp Salt
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1/3 tsp ground Black Pepper
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½ cup cold Sparkling Soda Water or Beer
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For frying:
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½ liter Sunflower Oil or Olive Oil
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For serving:
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2–3 Fresh Lemons
Instructions
Visit a Blue Island Fish Market for your fresh sand smelt. Rinse them and place in a strainer to drain thoroughly. In a bowl, combine the tomato, onion, spring onions, parsley, oregano, cumin, paprika, lemon zest, flour, corn flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the sand smelt and stir to combine. Gradually add the sparkling water or beer, mixing until you get a cohesive batter.
Heat the oil in a frying pan to 160°C. Using two spoons, scoop small portions of the mixture and gently drop them into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden, then flip and fry the other side for another 3–4 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Serve the sand smelt fritters hot with fresh lemon wedges.
This recipe can also be prepared with:
- Small Whitebait (Marida)
