Fresh Sardines

Ingredients

• 1 1/8 lbsardines, fresh, cleaned
• 1/4 cupvegetable oil, for deep frying
• 1 3/4 ozall-purpose flour, for dusting
• salt, to taste
• 1lemon, sliced, to serve

Method

1. 1

   Wash the sardines under cold running water. Season with salt and dust lightly with flour.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a deep, heavy pan to about 350°F — a small cube of bread should sizzle right away and brown in about 30 seconds. Lower the sardines in carefully, in batches so the pan stays hot, and fry for 2–3 minutes until crispy and golden.

3. 3

   Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot or cold with a slice of lemon.