Fried Smelt With Garlic Swiss Chard

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   Make the seasoned flour by mixing the flour, salt, garlic powder, cayenne, mustard powder, and black pepper. (It should not taste overpowering, as the seasonings are there to accent the fish, not hide it.)

3. Step 3

   Lay the smelt out on a platter and salt them well.

4. Step 4

   Heat a large frying pan over high heat for a minute or two. Turn the heat down to medium-high and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan by about 1/8 inch. You do not want the smelt swimming in oil. Let this oil heat up for 2 to 3 minutes, or until you see it begin to ripple on the surface.

5. Step 5

   While the oil is heating, dredge your smelt in the flour and set aside on a dry spot. Lay out some paper towels to drain them later.

6. Step 6

   When the oil is hot, arrange your smelt in one layer with room between each one and fry over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Turn and fry for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

7. Step 7

   Set your smelt aside and add the chard. Turn and stir it constantly, while sprinkling in the garlic powder and a bit of salt. The chard will release a lot of water, so when it does, turn the heat up to high and keep stirring until it is all wilted, about 3 minutes.

8. Step 8

   To serve, lay down a bit of chard and arrange the smelt on top. Serve with lemon wedges for a bit of acidity.

9. Step 9

   Enjoy!