Smelts - Beautiful Little Smelts!!!!

[Lorraine]

They had them today, so I bought some. When I said "I'd like four", he said "four pounds???" I said " No, four smelts". He asked WTH I was going to do with 4 smelts. I said, "Cook them". Now I don't know what to do with them. I was thinking of flouring them and frying in butter.

[bjcotton]

Eeeeeeeew, guts, eyeballs and all?

[Lorraine]

Nope. No head, all gutted and cleaned.

[Half_Baked]

The most common way seems to flour 'em and deep fry 'em.

I just looked it up on Wiki and when they were describing them at 6" w/ head, I thought I understood the fishmonger's question. Then I read they could grow up to 2'. Now that makes sense.

[Lorraine]

Well, the deep fryer will be on for the arancini! These are small, maybe 3-4 inches tops. The ones we used to catch when I was kid were abit bigger, maybe 6-8 inches. Sauces are all made, can't wait to try everything!

[vannin]

We used to catch them off the Piha Bridge. With cobwebs on the end of bullrushes.

[cjs]

well, this really stinks!! Here I sit with all the smelt ideas for preparation and there you sit with all (6!?) the smelt!!! I still haven't found any...and they were so good!

What did you finally do with them? Deep fried...yes!

[Lorraine]

there you sit with all (6!?) the smelt

Nope, I only bought 4!!! LOL

I floured them, deep fried two of them, and pan fried 2 in butter. I'll buy them again!!

[bjcotton]

I'm glad you didn't eat them guts and all I'll have to call my PETA friends and tell them you're eating baby fish!

I haven't had smelt since I was a little kid and my dad would go out and catch them.