Fried Whitebait With Raisins

   
                                                  Fried Whitebait With Raisins


Even if you go to the most distant  tavern in Greece you will find this traditional recipe, it's a first choice for an appetizer or as we say a meze. This was my dad's favorite summer meze and mine too.Whitebait in Greek is pronounced Marides and they are so delicious ! They are eaten whole with the head.

 

Ingredients

1- 2 pounds whitebait (you serve about 8 pieces to a person) 

Whitebait ( shouldn't be longer than 2 inches if they are smaller all the better) 

1 plate of flour

1/2 cup of raisins

1 tablespoon of rosemary

1/2 cup of red Red Vinegar

3- 4 cloves of chopped garlic 

Olive oil 

salt 

lemon 

                                                                                                                                                                                                      

                                           

                            

Use a small knife to take out the intestines, place in a colander and rinse with plenty of water. Let them drain add salt, if you like them spicy add pepper. I prefer them with just salt. When they are ready place them in your plate with flour.

                                 

                                                           

Whitebait in flour

Roll them in the flour and remove any excess flour.

Once you have floured all your whitebait set them aside and get your skillet ready with olive oil

I used two cups of olive oil. Your olive oil should be sizzling hot before you place your whitebait inside the pan.

This is how I layed them in the skillet, some people like to deep fry them. Deep frying  them is easier and faster but I prefer to make them this way. 

I used these small kitchen tongs to turn them.

When done set your oil aside.

Once you have fried all of your whitebait, you are ready to make your raisin sauce. First, place your skillet with the remaining oil on high heat and let it sizzle. Secondly, add your raisins, garlic and rosemary. Cook them for about 20 seconds or until the garlic is slightly browned add your vinegar and pour over your white bait. 

Serve them nice and hot, dip some Greek bread and enjoy !!  This is the gourmet way to serve them.

The picture below is the most common way that they're served. Either way the whitebait is delicious. Don't forget to serve them with a nice chilled glass of dry white wine.  KALE OREXI !!!! 

If you have any questions regarding this or any of my recipes, don't hesitate to contact me. I would love to hear from you.