Gourmet Tuyo (dried Herring) in Spicy oil

Ingredients

• 15-20 pieces Tuyo ((dried herring))
• vegetable oil (- for frying)
• 1 cup olive oil (or sunflower/corn oil)
• 3 cloves garlic (- cut into thin slices)
• 1 red hot chilli pepper ((labuyo) - cut into slants or 1 teaspoon chili flakes)
• 3 pieces bay leaves
• 5-10 pieces peppercorns (- slightly crushed)
• 10-20 pieces pickled olives (- cut into circles (optional))
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut off the heads and fry the tuyo in hot oil over high heat until the scales start to come off a bit. Place fried tuyo on a plate with a paper towel.

2. 2

   Remove the scales and soft parts. Can also be flaked and de-boned. Arrange the fried tuyo in a glass jar.

3. 3

   In a saucepan under medium-high heat, combine the olive/sunflower/corn oil, garlic and red chili pepper, bay leaves, peppercorns and olives. Bring to a boil and add paprika powder. Cook just until the garlic becomes tender and slightly browned.

4. 4

   Pour the oil mixture into the jar of tuyo, let it cool down before storing in the refrigerator. Store for at least 3 days before serving to allow flavors to blend.

5. 5

   Serve with steaming hot rice.