Marithes Tiganites (Fried Smelts)

I found this on alleasyrecipes.com. I'm posting it for ZWT 6. Greece

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 36 fish

Ingredients

• 2  lbs smelt (about 3 dozen)
•  salt
•  flour, for coating
• 1  cup olive oil
• 3  tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Clean, wash, and drain smelts. (If smelts are large, cut heads off. Leave tiny smelts whole.).
2. Make a small incision on one side of each smelt. Under cold running water, clean smelts by squeezing out innards. Drain. Sprinkle with salt. Coat with flour.
3. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan. Fry smelts until golden brown and crisp on both sides. Sprinkle with lemon juice and serve hot.