8 fresh sardines (about 680g / 1 ½ lbs)

1 tsp salt

3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped

Juice of ½ lemon

½ tsp ground turmeric

½ - 1 tsp chilli powder

3 tbsps plain flour

60 ml /2 fl oz cooking oil

Scale and clean the fish.  Rinse in cold water and dry on absorbent kitchen paper.  Add the salt to the garlic and work to a smooth pulp.  Mix all the remaining ingredients together in a small bowl except the fish, flour and oil.  Place the fish in a wide shallow dish and pour the marinade over.  Spread it gently over both sides of the fish, then cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

Heat the oil over a medium heat.   Dip each fish in the flour and coat it thoroughly.   Fry until golden brown on both sides this will take 2-3 minutes per side.  Drain on absorbent kitchen paper.