Fried dried anchovies

Ingredients (makes 2 1/2 cups):
200g good quality dried anchovies (ikan bilis), medium size
3 green chillies, cut diagonally
1 1/2 - 2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
Cooking oil for deep frying

Method:
1. Discard head and bitter belly pouch of dried anchovies. Spread on a tray and sun for about 15 minutes.
2. Heat cooking oil for deep frying. Slide in dried anchovies and deep fry slowly over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until golden brown.
3. Leave about 1 tbsp of oil in the pan and saute the sliced green chillies* until crispy.
4. Return the fried crispy anchovies to the pan. Sprinkle sugar and sesame oil over them. Toss and mix. Turn off heat. Serve as an appetizer with drinks or as a side dish with kimchi.

Tips:
* For a sticky version, don't add green chillies. Add sugar and about 1 1/2 tbsp water and stir until bubbles appear. Return fried chillies and anchovies to pan and toss quickly. Flavour with sesame oil.

Recipe source: Lifestyle magazine