Hamsi Tava (Crispy Fried Anchovies with Cornmeal)
In short: Fresh anchovies dusted in cornmeal and fried until crisp, the favorite fish dish of the Black Sea coast, served with lemon and a rocket salad. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 325 kcal
Hamsi, the small anchovy, is the fish of the Black Sea coast of Türkiye, and tava means fried in a pan. The fish are cleaned, opened flat, dusted with cornmeal and fried until the coating crackles. They are eaten hot and by hand, with lemon and a sharp salad of rocket and onion. You need very fresh fish and a hot pan, and the actual cooking takes about 15 minutes.
Instructions
- Rinse the anchovies in cold water. Snap off each head and pull it down along the belly to take out the guts. Run your thumb along the belly to open the fish flat and lift out the backbone if it comes away easily.
- Rinse and drain the fish, then pat them very dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of the salt and leave for 10 minutes.
- Mix the cornmeal with the remaining salt and the pepper on a plate. Press each fish into the cornmeal on both sides and shake off the excess.
- Heat about 1 cm (1/2 inch) of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until a pinch of cornmeal sizzles at once, about 180°C (350°F).
- Fry the fish in batches, in a single layer, for about 2 minutes per side, until deep golden and crisp. Do not crowd the pan.
- Drain on paper towels and serve immediately, with lemon, rocket and sliced onion.
Tips
- Keep the oil hot and the fish dry. The cornmeal only crisps if the fish are patted dry, and small batches keep the oil hot.
- Small sardines, smelts or sprats can replace hamsi. Adjust the frying time to the size of the fish.
Questions and answers
Can I bake hamsi instead of frying?
Yes, but they are less crisp. Brush the coated fish with oil and bake on a hot tray at 230°C (450°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once.
What do you serve with hamsi tava?
Lemon wedges, a rocket and onion salad and fresh bread are typical. A glass of cold raki or ayran often goes alongside it.
Do you eat the bones of fried anchovies?
The bones of small anchovies turn soft and crisp when fried, and most people eat them. Removing the backbone while cleaning gives a neater plate.
How long does it take to make Hamsi Tava (Crispy Fried Anchovies with Cornmeal)?
About 45 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Hamsi Tava (Crispy Fried Anchovies with Cornmeal)?
About 325 kcal per serving, with 31 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 17 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 325 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
