How to Make Hamsi Tava? Oil-Free Anchovies in a Cast Iron Pan

Summary

Hamsi tava is a popular fish dish in which anchovies are cooked simply in a frying pan. In this recipe, the anchovies are prepared in a cast iron pan with very little oil for a beautifully browned exterior and tender interior.

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Ingredients for Hamsi Tava

• 500 g cleaned anchovies

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3–4 tablespoons cornmeal

• Salt

• Black pepper, optional

• Lemon, to serve

• Rocket and red onion, optional

How to Make Hamsi Tava

1. Rinse the cleaned anchovies thoroughly and drain well.

2. Pat the anchovies dry with kitchen paper. Removing excess moisture is important for achieving better browning in the pan.

3. Season the anchovies with salt.

4. Place the cornmeal in a wide dish and lightly coat the anchovies.

5. Preheat a cast iron pan over medium heat.

6. Brush the pan with a small amount of olive oil.

7. Arrange the anchovies in a single layer, placing them as close together as possible.

8. Cook over medium heat for approximately 3–4 minutes, until the underside is browned.

9. Carefully turn the anchovies and cook the other side for approximately 3 minutes.

10. Once both sides are browned, remove from the pan and serve hot.

Tips for Cooking Anchovies in a Cast Iron Pan

Preheating the pan is important when preparing anchovies in a cast iron pan. Starting with a properly heated pan rather than placing the fish into a cold pan helps the surface brown more effectively.

It is also important to dry the anchovies thoroughly before adding them to the pan. Excess moisture can create steam instead of allowing the fish to brown properly.

If you want to prepare the anchovies with very little oil, simply brush a small amount over the pan. Thanks to the heat retention of cast iron, the anchovies can be cooked without using a large amount of oil.

Avoid turning the anchovies too often. Turning them just once with a spatula once the first side has browned can help prevent the fish from breaking apart.

How Long Does Hamsi Tava Take to Cook?

Hamsi tava can take approximately 6–8 minutes in total, depending on the size of the fish and the temperature of the pan. Cooking the first side for 3–4 minutes and the second side for around 3 minutes may be sufficient.

You can check whether the anchovies are cooked when the exterior is browned and the flesh separates easily.

How to Serve Hamsi Tava

Serve hamsi tava hot with lemon, rocket and finely sliced red onion. A seasonal salad can also be served alongside.

As the anchovies are prepared in a cast iron pan, you can take the pan directly to the table and maintain the experience of serving the fish while it is still hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamsi Tava

How do you make hamsi tava?

Season the cleaned anchovies with salt and lightly coat them in cornmeal. Cook them in a preheated cast iron pan with very little oil until both sides are nicely browned.

How do you cook anchovies in a cast iron pan?

Preheat the cast iron pan and add a small amount of oil. Arrange the dried, cornmeal-coated anchovies in a single layer and cook both sides until browned.

Can hamsi tava be made without oil?

Yes. Hamsi tava does not require a large amount of oil. You can brush the cast iron pan with a small amount of oil or use minimal oil under suitable cooking conditions.

Is cornmeal essential for hamsi tava?

Cornmeal helps the outside of the anchovies become more browned and crisp, but the recipe can also be prepared without flour according to preference.

How long does it take to cook anchovies in a frying pan?

Depending on the size of the anchovies and the temperature of the pan, they can take approximately 6–8 minutes in total. Check that the surface is browned and the flesh separates easily to determine whether they are cooked.