Xouba (Spanish Fried Fish)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of xouba (small sardines)
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Clean the xouba by removing their heads and innards and rinsing them under cold water.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Dredge the xouba in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5. Carefully place the xouba in the hot oil and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the xouba from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the xouba.