Whitebait

1. 1

   Heat the oil for frying in a deep-fat fryer to about 375 degrees F.

2. 2

   Put the whitebait and the seasoned flour into a plastic bag, and toss everything around to coat the fish.

3. 3

   Shake the excess flour by turning out the whole bag into a metal sieve, and then plunge the little fishes into the oil.

4. 4

   Cook for about 3 minutes or until they look crispy and tempting - though I can see that for a squeamish generation, the idea of eating baby fish, whole, might not tempt.

5. 5

   How wrong they are, if that's the case.

6. 6

   Turn them out onto paper towels, and while the fish are losing any excess oil (we want desirable crunch) throw in a small handful of parsley leaves to deep-fry; watch out, it will spit.

7. 7

   (A splatter guard is useful.

8. 8

   Not charming, but useful.)

9. 9

   When they have turned a very dark green, drain and serve with the whitebait, well sprinkled with sea salt and surrounded with lemon wedges.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.