Whitebait

• By Ramona Preca

For 4 people, you will need:

300g of whitebait, fresh mint, hardy marjoram and basil (chopped), some plain flour, salt and pepper, two tablespoonfuls of garlic, one egg (lightly beaten), three to four tablespoonfuls of vegetable or sunflower oil, lemon wedges.

Stir the garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and herbs into the whitebait, then stir in some flour for texture. Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed frying-pan. To test when ready, drop a piece of the dry breadcrumbs in - if it sizzles and quickly turns golden brown, it is ready to use. Fry the fish cakes over a medium heat for about five minutes on each side or until crisp and golden. Serve with the rest of the sauce (squeeze in a little lemon zest to taste).