The recipe of Black Sea Hamsi Izgara is simple but the final taste is delicious and light.

The only secret of Black Sea Hamsi Izgara taste is the freshness and quality of Hamsi. it deteriorates faster than any other fish. That is why it is better to clean it as soon as possible after fishing. Cleaned mean headless gutted fish thoroughly rinsed in the running water. It can be done by anybody who has needed skills but at many fish markets around Black Sea sellers are clean and wash Hamsi for customers.

Frozen cleaned vacuums packed versions are often available in retail and can be used out of season but requires thawing in the refrigerator for overnight.

Course – Main course

Serves 4

Preparation time – 30 minutes   Cooking time – 10 minutes

1-1,5 kg fresh Hamsi cleaned

1-2 cloves of garlic

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

1 teaspoon of paprika

1/2 tea cup of olive oil

1 lemon

1 tbsp salt

When making this dish, always keep in mind the smell of fish and the smell of smoke that does not come out for days and never grill this fish indoors.

Preparation stage is long and dirty if fish is uncleaned. It needs to be carefully cleaned and well rinsed in the water, dries and sprinkled with salt. Prepare the mixture by mixing well all spices with the olive oil in a bowl. Prepare the barbecue. It is necessary to light the barbecue approximately half an hour before starting to cook and to calm the fire. It will help to prevent fish from burning down. There should not be any unburned embers in the barbecue before start cooking. Until the barbecue is ready, start placing the fish on the wire rack in order to save time.

Brush the mixture all over each fish before putting it into a grid. Grill the fish for two minutes from each side until golden brown. While grilling both sides, brush the mixture on fish time to time. It helps this dish taste better and grill better. All fish should have the same color at the end of cooking. Take fish out of the grid and put on a plate. Cut the lemon into wedges.

Black Sea Hamsi Izgara traditionally served warm immediately after cooking with white freshly baked bread and lemon wedges.

Black Sea Hamsi Izgara is usually served alone or with a little salad and it goes well with a glass of white wine.

Black Sea Cuisine is simple, tasty and inexpensive.