Kilka dish (Caspian sprat)

Caspian kilka is a small fish caught from the Caspian Sea. Despite its small size, it is edible, delicious, and packed with nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and B. Kilka can be enjoyed fried, grilled, or served with rice.

Ingredients:

• Kilka fish – ۵۰۰ g

• Egg – ۱

• Onion – ۱

• Lemon juice – ۵ tablespoons

• Bread crumbs – as needed

• Garlic powder – ۱ teaspoon

• Oil – as needed

• Salt and pepper – to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fish: Clean the fish thoroughly. Remove the head, tail, and fins. Gut the fish and take out the backbone, then wash well.

2. Marinate: In a medium bowl, add the sliced onion, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Add the fish to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2–۳ hours. This helps flavor the fish and remove any unpleasant odor.

3. Skewer the fish: After marinating, take the fish out of the fridge and thread them onto wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each one.

4. Coating: In one large dish, spread out the bread crumbs and any extra spices you like. In another dish, beat the egg. Dip each skewer first into the beaten egg, then roll it in bread crumbs until fully coated.

5. Frying: Heat some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Place the skewers in the pan and fry until golden. Once one side is crisp, flip to cook the other side.

6. Serve: Enjoy fried kilka skewers with herbed rice or plain rice, along with fresh herbs and salad.