Beignets de sardines

Beignets de sardines are sardine fritters but with a subtle difference in the batter.  This contains garlic which adds an interesting flavour.  The dish makes an first-rate starter, supper dish or tapas dish.

Preparation Time: 20 Mins

Cooking Time: 4 Mins

Total Time: 24 Mins

Ingredients

For 2 portions

4                    Sardines    

4 tbs               Olive oil    

For the batter

110 gms          Flour        

1 tsp               Baking powder        

1 pinch            Salt          

1 clove            Garlic  - crushed      

                      Water       

To serve

                      Lemon      

                      Rocket      

Method

To prepare the sardines…

Descale the sardines and cut off their heads and tails.  Then slit them along the belly to the tail.  Remove the guts, press them flat and remove the back bone.

To make the batter…

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl.  Add the garlic and enough water to mix to the consistency of single cream.

To cook the sardines…

Heat the oil until almost smoking.  Dip the sardines in the batter and then fry them for two minutes on each side or until golden.

Serve with lemon and a garnish of rocket or other leaves.

Wine recommendations

Conventional

     Côtes de Gascogne blanc

Interesting

     Jurançon sec

     Montlouis

     Pinot Gris

     Vin de pays Charentais