ONE MAN’S KITCHEN
VINCE PUCCI
Crisp Fried Smelts Smelts are very popular in Europe and
most of Asia, but they are also very much loved in North America. There are fresh and salt water smelts that are caught in the lakes and coasts of Canada and USA. They are found along the New England coast, the Great Lakes and the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon. In certain areas, smelt fishing is
considered one of the first rites of spring. Local anglers go out at 2 am with hand-held nets, hoping to snare a fresh treat. I have memories of going with my
father and a few of his Italian buddies to do a little smelt fishing on Georgian Bay near Parry Sound back in the early 70s. It was in April with snow still on the ground. Thank God there was an Indian reserve very close by, and we were able to buy some wood to make a campfire to keep warm. Smelts are small, and some people eat
them whole – head, guts, and tail. I prefer to remove the head and guts, leaving the tail and back bone. There is a rich flavor to the meat, and a pleasing soft crunch from the bones, which will not stick in your throat. Smelts possess many health benefits.
They are high in Omega 3 fatty acids; they help reduce bad cholesterol; and they help
30 BOUNDER MAGAZINE
prevent heart attacks. They are a very popular appetizer at Cabotto’s. The following is our recipe:
8-9 oz. smelts 1 Tablespoon chopped green onions 2 chopped garlic cloves Slice of fresh lemon, cut in half Pinch of chili pepper 1 teaspoon oregano Salt and pepper.
Dredge smelts in flour. Coat them fully.
Fry in deep fryer or deep dish pan with one or two inches of oil until firm, not too crispy. Remove and put aside. In a separate pan, add 2 oz. vegetable
oil, chopped garlic, fresh lemon, pinch of chili pepper, and oregano. Simmer for a couple of minutes. Add the smelts, salt and pepper. Place in the oven at 350 degrees until
golden and crispy. Remove. Pour remaining flavored oil from pan
on smelts. Serve with a wedge of lemon or your favorite sauce.
Vince Pucci is the owner of Cabotto’s Fine Italian Cuisine Restaurant in Stittsville.
www.bounder.ca
Photo Courtesy: CHILDOFMIDNIGHT, CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE
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