Anchovies in Lemon Batter

Anchovies in lemon batter are a simple and tasty dish. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients

• 500 g of fresh anchovies
• 150 g of flour
• 200 ml of very cold sparkling water
• Grated zest of 1 lemon (untreated)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Preparation

1. Clean the anchovies by removing the heads and guts, open them like a book, and remove the central bone. Wash them under running water and pat them dry gently with paper towels.
2. Prepare the batter by mixing the flour with the sparkling water until the consistency is smooth and uniform.
3. Add the grated lemon zest and a pinch of salt to the batter and mix well.
4. Dip the anchovies into the batter, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Heat plenty of oil in a frying pan and, when it reaches the right temperature (you can test it with a small piece of bread, if it sizzles it’s ready), fry the anchovies by gently lowering them into the oil.
6. Let the anchovies cook until they become golden and crispy, then drain them and place them on paper towels to remove the excess oil.
7. Serve the anchovies hot with a drizzle of lemon juice on top.

Interesting Facts

Anchovies in batter are a classic appetizer or main course of coastal cuisine. This lemon version provides a pleasant contrast between the robust flavor of the bluefish and the citrus freshness of the lemon, making the dish light and perfect for summer. Alternatively, you could add a pinch of chili pepper to the batter if you like a spicy note.