Hamsili Pilav / Rice Pilav with Ancovy

Prep. Time: 40 min.
Cook Time: 20 min.
8 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg fresh anchovy (filleted)
• 1 onion
• 1 cup rice (200gr)
• pine nuts
• currants
• oregano
• salt
• black pepper
• cinnamon
• corn meal

Hamsi, is an European anchovy found in the Black Sea region of Turkey.  It is the staple of the Black Sea cuisine and is used in pan dishes, baked goods and even dessert.  Hamsili Pilav is a hamsi rice dish which would make an impressive main course for any special occasion at your dining room! 

Preparation: 

• Let the rice wait in hot water for 20 min, slice onions into small pieces. Cook it with some olive oil for a few min, after add pine nuts, cook few min more than add other spices and currants, mix it well.
• Drain the rice, pour onto onions, add hot water 2 glass, or it should cover onto rices.Cook it with low heat till the water is absorbed. 
• Add some olive oil into pan, cover the outside of anchovies with corn meal and line them on the base and sides with half the anchovy fillets skin outwards. 
• Pour the rice mixture into the center.
• and cover the surface with the remainder of the anchovies.

• Sprinkle a little olive oil over , and fry it with low heat 10 min, after 1 side fried , close a plate on the pan reverse it and cook other side of it.
• As the anchovies will get smaller after cooked, you have to put anchovies more,and line anchovies without any space between them.