Baked small fish

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 1 kg sardines, fresh, broadleaf or smelt
• 120 g flour
• 6 tbsp water, cold, up to 8 tbsp
• Salt
• Oil, for frying

Instructions

Working time approx. 20 minutes; Total time approx. 20 minutes

Mix the flour and a pinch of salt with enough water to make a thick batter. Heat enough oil in a pan that is as deep as possible. Dip 3 fish at a time into the batter. Press the tail fins firmly together to create a fan-like shape. Important: Only dip the fish in the batter immediately before frying!! The fish can of course also be fried individually. Carefully place the fish in the pan and fry until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with all the other fish. Baking time for each layer is approx. 3 minutes. Lightly salt the cooked fish! The fish should be eaten immediately after frying. Garnish with a light garlic sauce and lemon slices, if desired. To keep the individual layers warm, place the fish on a rack, cover with kitchen paper, and place in the slightly warm oven. Do not close the door. Enjoy!