Main Course📍 DobrogeaEasy🐟 Pescatarian🥛 Dairy-free💪 High-protein🥦 Clean eating🫒 Mediterranean

Fried Anchovies with Polenta and Garlic Sauce

Name: Fried Anchovies with Polenta and Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Romanian
Ingredients: 500 g fresh or frozen anchovies; 4 tbsp flour; 4 tbsp cornmeal; 1 tsp salt; 200 ml oil for frying; 6–8 garlic cloves; 50 ml water; a pinch of salt; polenta (see separate recipe)

Fried anchovies are an iconic dish of the Romanian seaside, often served with warm polenta and garlic sauce. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re perfect for a laid-back summer meal.

🍽️

Servings

⏱️

Prep

20 min

🔥

Cook

10 min

⏰

Total

30 min

🥘Ingredients

servings

For the anchovies

For the garlic sauce

For serving

📝Preparation steps 🗓️Add to Meal Planner🎨Serving & Presentation

✅Dietary Compatibility

🐟Pescatarian🥛Dairy-free💪High-protein🥦Clean eating🫒Mediterranean

🍽️

Yield

500 g fried anchovies with polenta and garlic sauce (for 3-4 servings)

📦Storage

❄️

Refrigerator

Fried anchovies best consumed immediately, don't store well (lose crispness).

🧊

Freezer

Can freeze raw anchovies for 2-3 months, fry directly from freezer.

🥗Nutrition Facts

Values per serving (approx. 150 g anchovies)

🔥

Calories

150 kcal

🥩

Protein

8 g

🧈

Fat

10 g

🍞

Carbohydrates

6 g

🌾

Fiber

0 g

🍷Pairs Well With

🥂Traditional warm polenta

🥂Garlic sauce

🥂Dry or cold white wine

🥂Fresh lemon

💡Variations

Grilled: prepare anchovies on the grill instead of frying.

Marinated: marinate anchovies in vinegar and spices.

With tomatoes: serve with fresh tomatoes for contrast.