Fried Sardines with Seasoning Paste (Chermula)

Ingredients

• 16 small fresh sardines (about 1 kg, ready to cook, peeled, headless, no middle spine)
• 4 sprigs Parsley
• 4 sprigs coriander leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 lemon
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 60 g flour
• oil for frying

Instructions

1. 1.

   Wash the sardines and open them so they lie flat with the open side up.

2. 2.

   Wash and dry the parsley and coriander, then roughly chop the leaves. Peel and finely mince the garlic. Squeeze the lemon juice. Grind the garlic with paprika in a mortar until fine. Mix the herbs (except 2 tbsp), lemon juice, and olive oil together. Spread on the sardines and roll them up. Secure with toothpicks and coat with flour.

3. 3.

   Fry portions in hot oil for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with remaining herbs before serving.