Cooking & Preserving Hooligan Fish | Sourdough Focaccia with Pesto

[@appalachianheartsong5487]

You guys are proof positive that transplants are not all poseurs, as you are living and loving the heart and soul of Alaska. This trend towards creative meals is also a great complement to the channel for us, as it gets us thinking about how we can broaden our use of local resources. Another great episode guys, really loved it. Dan and Elle

[@brendaduignan5961]

You two are better than any show I ever watched on television. Thank you, I never miss a show and have watched a few more than once.

[@karaduke8362]

Agree! I always look forward to a new episode.

[@artistvictoria8500]

My father and I loved these fish!!! We’d clean them and fry them whole…YUM. He would add them to a basic soup of chopped boc choy, chopped whole green onions, garlic, a little fish sauce (so important) in the broth with pepper and hot sauce and it’s delicious. They freeze great and frying them up for a crunchy treat is amazing! I bet they’re great smoked! I’m soooo hungry now! Lol Enjoy your catch! 😃 Oh…they are great marinated one cooked outside on the fire/ grill too!

[@lat1419]

Did you ever dry them for stock fish? Burmese balunchang would be great with dried hooligan!

[@artistvictoria8500]

@@lat1419 No I didn’t! That sounds amazing!

[@tobyhorn9641]

Sounds good 😲😋

[@superterminald3827]

As a gardner, I'm going to take a semi- educated guess here....all that rinse water you use on the (unbrined) fish would probably be worth collecting in a bucket and using on the garden.

[@huttonsvalleypermaculture]

The preserving you do with all the fish that you catch throughout the year is truly amazing! I love to see from catch to store cupboard - thanks for sharing!!

[@vladimirjohnson2410]

Я обожаю этих ребят! Они дружные, они любят друг друга! И вся работа у них получается на ОК!!! Я Вас люблю!!!

[@bjstark5069]

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that yall use as much natural foods as you can, forage, fish, etc. That is the best, and keeps me coming back for more. Don't ever change you two, keep doing what you're doing!

[@Flowergurl2000]

Glad a bandit is out pond building again. Mans gotta have a life’s work!

[@genedegiorgio1617]

It’s amazing how you take one item, the fish, and put it to so many uses. Thank you for sharing.

[@faithrada]

You guys are just magical when it comes to preparing natural healthy foods. Thank you for sharing all your talents. You're a real treasure.

[@johnlukasik8045]

I used to catch smelt on Lake Michigan Harbor GILL NETTING THEM . We would snip the heads off, and slit the bellies, and then after breading them, cook them in a beer can half full of beer ! I couldn't wait for the next gill net to be pulled up !!! These days, it seems all the smelt have disappeared ??? Fond memories !!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Gwenluvsmusic]

When one thinks to oneself that I'd love a video from you today, and viola. Thank you for being one of the most interesting and genuine YT channels.

[@brendag2891]

My dad used to go smelting in MN, Lake Superior. I didn't know that hooligan is another name for smelt! Now I feel bold enough to go up north when the smelt run, and have them for dinner!

[@whitneylake2107]

When you cook it makes me drool. I love your recipes ! Thank you

[@CreatorInTrng]

So, it's not just me....🤗

[@SamGreenslyfox]

10/10 would buy a bread recipes book from Arielle. All of your stuff always looks so good and brings those meals together you prepare. Looks great! Happy summer guys 💛

[@MichelleSunshineSoul]

Me too!!!!

[@net_marie3153]

AMAZING idea! I'd love that. Always wanted to try those rolls and pies and the bread and...

[@ciaobella8963]

I ate smelt when I was growing up in Canada. Lightly breaded, fried, and we ate lots of them, bones and all. But they were tiny in size compared to what you have in Alaska. Love your recipes, and of course your videos.

[@suzannesnow7485]

Just wrote the same thing about my early years in NH!

[@woolymittens]

Growing up in Thunder Bay, Current River had a huge smelt run and we'd dip net a bunch .. but never ate them, they're just not a good eating fish (maybe we were spoiled cuz we always had pickerel, lake trout and pike). What we did was plant them in the garden. My job was to poke holes about every 10 inches with a broom handle, drop in a smelt or 2 and stomp it down. They were great fertilizer!

[@frankcurley]

Yep, we caught ours as kids just outside of Selkirk Ontario

[@PSSKDerby]

Have to say, the smelts in PEI were this size and we definitely ate them the same as you, but we definitely pulled the bones out after the pan fry. We always caught them with bacon off the wharf. So odd, especially when we get a flounder every now and then

[@saraherber1887]

I grew up eating pickled smelt and herring. My Swedish grandmother canned them. The vinegar dissolved the bones and preserved the fish. She would pack the jars with fish and carrots and onions. She would serve it with dark bread. Your preparations look delightful....except for the chum, if you don't mind me saying 😉.

[@garykvintus391]

Grew up in Ohio.... smelt runs on Lake Erie easy to net 150 qt cooler full.. Friday night cookouts that lasted till Sunday morning ..smelt ,sweet corn fried potatoes and ice cold beer. Good memories

[@fil-norwegianlife1519]

What about use the smoked hooligan for pasta. Sautee it with garlic, capers , sun dried tomatoes and a bit of chili flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice. Spaghetti and that will definitely be good ☺️

[@lovemyalaskalife9478]

I do that with smoked salmon, it'd be awesome I bet!

[@heidimobley4897]

I don’t care for fish that often, but I’m sold! Sounds great!

[@patti6194]

Oooooo! Instead of capers, they could pickle some fiddleheads!

[@JRS2248]

Remember cleaning herring like that and watching my mom and grandmother fight over the roe. Then they put them up in a while vinegar and onion brine. I still bye herring to this day 74 years latter. Love your fishing and everything. Love your channel.

[@chasesutton1]

This is my favorite channel on youtube. I look forward every week to seeing a new release!

[@ruthiemay423]

I imagine splitting the bread, putting the pesto on both halves and putting everything inside for an unforgettable sandwich.

[@colbr06]

I love the shot of Bandit drooling while you cook the fish.

[@micheltibon6552]

Greetings from Luxembourg. Love the way you enjoy live. When I look up from my PC and see the pair of small tin cans with sardines in my kitchen I pity myself😀

[@cca2203]

Love the video guys! BO and Bandit have got to be the healthiest dogs ever with the amount of Omega oils they eat ❤️😊🐶🌞🐓

[@Red1831B]

I remember netting these on Lake Michigan in a very short time and then spending all night until morning cleaning them. Only did that once, after that we knew to stop sooner. We had a huge smelt fry with family and friends, frozen some for eating and others for northern fishing on j hooks.

[@MERobinson1000]

Oh my gosh YES!!! We grew up eating these. My Dad would buy them at the docks on the Fraser River (southern BC, Canada) and bring them home for us to process. All six of us kids were lined up to cut off the head, slit the bellies, run your finger down to empty the guts (that went to the chickens), and put into little baggies in the freezer. He always kept a bunch for dinner. He would dredge in flour and salt and pepper, fry one side then the other... THAT'S IT! The spines were easy to pull out once cooked (and given to the chickens too).... this takes me back... hooligans have been over fished in our area and I haven't seen them in years... yes you guys are lucky dogs to enjoy such a yummy fish. Thank you for all your great posts.

[@annetjievz]

In South Africa we have something similar we make with sardines. Stringing them up after bryning (or just cleaned and hung as is) and letting it air dry or smoked. We call it Bokkoms. Great with sweet potato, or just bread and apricot jam for a good, hearty breakfast.

[@Annapatat67]

Oh, I miss bokkoms. Living in Ireland for 23 years now.

[@mikew6840]

Traditional West Coast Bokkoms are made from a mullet species "harders", not sardines - although I suppose you could use sardines.

[@annetjievz]

@@mikew6840 Thanks, I stand corrected.

[@gayemathis3318]

I can remember cleaning my dad's haul till we practically had blister from the sissors! Northern Michigan used to have really great smelt runs!

[@donaldhofman5257]

Duluth too!! Yummy!!

[@bushpushersdaughter]

My very favorite way to enjoy those yummy little fish is to bread them in flour, salt and pepper and fry them in butter. My mouth is watering! P.S. Lucky dogs!!!

[@miked1765]

Yep, delicious fried.

[@markbrown6236]

@@miked1765 And crunchy.

[@nancycowan6109]

I remember the smelting days and the fried batter. Once a year thing that my dad loved. Now you guys could put anything before me and I’d love it. I’m a broken record when I say my dad would so love you both. ❤️

[@doublerainbowsdoublerainbo7906]

I'm always so happy to see a new video you posted!! I know it probably gets a little tiring for you after a while---but we the viewers LOVE YOU GUYS AND LIVE VICARIOUSLY THRU YOU!! YOU MAKE EVERYTHING SEEM SO EASY!!!!!

[@debraburggraff5887]

Thank You for showing your critters. Love seeing the cat and puppers

[@davidtobias1665]

I used to pressure cook them like sardines, some in olive oil, some in mustard, and some in tomato sauce. Yummy.

[@kathymc234]

Great idea! 💡

[@carolkantner1770]

I was told I use to eat smelt with my dad and loved them.... I don't remember. Your dog is so hilarious in water ..love watching him

[@paulagardner3218]

How thoughtful of Bandit to aerate your pond for you.

[@suzannesnow7485]

I’m glad you said smelt because when you fished for them it reminded me of smelting in my early days in NH. Our smelt were much smaller but we ate them dipped in egg and flour and fried them to a crisp… ate them bones and all. Thanks for the memories. Loved your recipes! 💞

[@kayphillips4950]

Love smoked hooligan!

[@danno1ize]

Hey guys!! Quick tip to make cleaning them easier!!Put your thumb under the bottom of their gills and "pop" the head!grab the head pull down and the guts come out! No scissors needed and faster ,hope it helps love the channel!

[@danamama6766]

My gosh that pesto....and the bread and the cooked fish. Yummm

[@tacrewgirl]

It's always enjoyable watching your videos and seeing your creative recipes with your Alaskan bounty. Hooligan fishing is like dipnetting on stereoids because you catch so many fish with minimal effort. Meanwhile I'm standing in the Kenai up to my chest for hours to catch a fraction of fish. I've never smoked fish before as I'm learning new stuff every year up here, but I'm definitely taking notes. Thanks for sharing your fun with the rest of us.

[@RetiredGoodtimes]

You're right. Northern Pike love smelt.

[@judyabernathy80]

Bandit really gets after Fishing in the pond! Lol So cute! ♥️🙏🏼♥️

[@serich9722]

Everytime I watch one of your shows, my mouth waters.

[@ellenbedford3888]

My dad LOVED smelts!! We used to fish for cat fish, and head to Brigantine NJ with my uncle to do some crabbing. A little boat and motor, some traps and chicken necks - was so much fun! And we’d cook them and freeze them and have a great snack!

[@kellyflores2787]

I remember going smelting as a kid in Michigan’s UP. We would net a bunch and bring them home to fry up. Good times!

[@sikandershah9619]

Greetings from Colorado! The fact that you both hunt & fish together is truly awesome . I have been married going close to 39 years. For all these years my wife & I hunt & fish together along with both my daughters. God bless you both!

[@philiplast1005]

ahhh...I remember eating smelt from Lake Superior...we would invite a bunch of friends to clean them then bread them and fry them crispy in very hot oil, man were they good...good times...

[@leehillaby1706]

This is the only KZbin channel that really matters to me.

[@11bprep92]

I used to smelt fish all of the time with my dad in Oregon, as a kid in Coos Bay.

[@gputt3]

those fish look SO GOOD

[@tWoforgamenot1]

this old boy thinks very cool kids hug :)

[@heatherhyer3280]

I grew up with these, floured and pan fried like chicken. My favorite way to eat them...like french fries, or nuggets.

[@bekchuliev3821]

We use to wait season for hooligan fish when I was young .Use to catch them and sell on the side of the road .This fish smells just like cucumber. One of the best fishes to fried .

[@kathrynhelm4176]

What a useful haul…dog food, chicken treats and human recipes!..incredible variety of uses. I love watching Bandit playing in the water and Pepper enjoying the sun….missed sweet Beau. ❤️🥰

[@teresamexico309]

Your video brought me back lovely memories from childhood, thank you both. I grew up eating fish from the pristine rivers near our town. My dad used to buy the fish from the local people fresh or smoked and sometimes he would bring home a huge smoked fish that Mother would take the meat apart from the bones and prepare it in so many different ways, like meat-balls in tomato sauce with fresh marjoram and fresh cubed onion, although the onion had to be in lime juice for about half an hour or so. The tomatoes for the sauce had to be precooked, that gives the sauce a better flavor than using just fresh ones.

[@melissawaite6018]

It’s amazing how much your Pepper cat looks like my Lion cat. It’s great you have an outside kitchen set up, so handy

[@phungtransimplehappiness]

My family loves this fish . We made fish broth,baked and dried them . Fish is healthy meal . Thanks for sharing your recipes .

[@pamelam1500]

I love that fishing season is back. You two are so creative in your cooking and uses for all fish. ❤️

[@fionacesari1457]

Another brilliant video . It’s 12 in the morning here in the uk 🇬🇧 I am starving after watching this .thank you both once again for sharing x

[@bobmuirs8040]

love that you waste nothing. lots of work but appreciate yr effort

[@susanmorris9790]

I can’t tell you how relieved I was to see you post this! So needed it! Thank you!

[@ourcozygarden]

Making my mouth water. I’ll have them in rice or quinoa, dipped in soy sauce and lemon with cucumber salad

[@lovemyalaskalife9478]

Love that they are not the least bit slimy. ;) Great idea for dog food, I think I'll do that next season. FUNNY, I cooked fiddleheads the last two weekends ;)

[@jareddonovan9319]

Best cooking show on the internet at the moment.

[@valariecroslin1427]

Thank you Ariel and Eric for posting your videos I love watching them hi bandit hi bo

[@candiwallace6605]

My grandfather would take us Smelt fishing ❤🥰❤

[@berengsnngiramos6745]

I love eating dried fish..you guys are so talented..God bless🙏

[@staceyhazelett2397]

Love how you use everything for your dogs and chickens! Your dinner looked so good!

[@deaconmma3048]

You two rock - my wife & I really enjoy your channel! - your teamwork is unequaled here on YT!! keep up the great work!

[@mudoh2131]

You make everything sound so fabulous. Brilliant to see your creativity.

[@abrahamjoseph6707]

Those hooligan looks delicious😋

[@k.p.1139]

Ahhh, Bandit in his marsh bathtub.. Spring has sprung 😆 Ya know, you guys have the perfect bog for rice. You should look into a short season and give it a try. .😀 You can start it indoors and plant out when it gets warm enough.

[@dorothyallen3614]

Wow, that’s a great idea

[@SctyGrpPowers]

I love how adventurous you guys are. Always experimenting on something new in the food department.

[@karen6778]

Wow! First time I’ve watched your channel on a big screen high def tv. What a difference that makes compared to my puny phone screen. It’s incredible to see you guys larger than life. Loved this episode! Xx

[@contactsuzi7096]

I just love it when you two get cooking! Today was epic. You got so much out of that catch. The fiddlehead pesto was a real surprise.....I can't wait for salmon fishing (because then there is salmon cooking!) Joyful cooks you are. xoxo

[@kadmck]

Even with the dirtiest tasks, Arielle’s ring is always sparkly! Been watching y’all’s videos for about 2 years, and you wearing your ring 24/7 actually gave me the courage to wear mine all the time too!!

[@dlmad4561]

they are good pickled

[@cecilesmith5688]

we ate smelts for Christmas Eve in NY...as part of our Italian fish dinner...we floured them and then fried them up...ate bones and all....a favorite in our family

[@richardfrank9317]

Thanks for posting, I was about to turn off the computer and watch the News. I like smelt more than salmon, deep fried and eaten like fries, so good.

[@gitapatel1370]

I have been watching your videos and appreciate you both doing such a hard work, city people will never understand yes you do hard work but you also enjoy living free. Good luck .👍

[@elenamariarothenquijada71]

Son lo mejor en videos ❤️❤️ no me canso de verlos 🌟🌟🌟🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@craftingontheporchwithbill]

Serious bath night coming up. The food looks wonderful. Thank you.

[@yvonnesloan2187]

I love seeing what you guys create with all the food you grow/catch. I have to say seeing Bandit in the dam or swamp what ever you call it is just my favourite. My daughter Zaria absolutely loves seeing your dogs and gets so excited every time. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life in Alaska.

[@Kiki-D-Kimono]

I just had to say Zaria is a beautiful name! Is it pronounced like Maria, or Zar-ee-ah?

[@yvonnesloan2187]

@@Kiki-D-Kimono the second one. It is beautiful I love it, so thank you

[@susancatterson5602]

Beer batter ,Deep fried is how my mom and dad would cook them up ..

[@moonstoneway2694]

Mm good. Reminds me of the pan-fried cornmeal battered smelt we had growing up on the Oregon coast. Thanks!

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi from Syracuse NY everyone thank you for sharing your adventures and your life

[@kiza4178]

When my sister and I were young and broke, we would buy smelt and cook like trout. Really good.

[@dinahquillen8709]

I loved the "silhouette" shot of Bandit". He's always a great subject.

[@phantomframe]

I love that NOTHING goes to waste. It’s so impressive and something to try and live up to.

[@sharongypsydove6080]

In Michigan during smelt/hooligan dipping...we just cut head off gut dip in beer cornmeal batter or tempura and fry....sooo good. I also love them grilled with lemon garlic and Italian seasonig

[@marydanen5220]

I love watching you cooking and preserving food. God's blessings❤

[@jenniwilson146]

You all make me smile with your videos!

[@feliciaalbanese3338]

Hello enjoy the summer!! I’m enjoying the video thank you 🙏

[@stephaniesanders791]

Love the LMU shirt! I live over in KY but LMU is in our backyard just through the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. My girls and I absolutely love your videos! Please keep them coming. God bless you both.

[@kayphillips4950]

Cumberland Gap, Va.? My old stomping grounds!!!

[@terristewart6119]

I noticed that t-shirt of my home state Tennessee! Didn’t realize it was an LMU shirt. Yep-LMU is a hop, skip & a jump from KY!

[@johnmccormick175]

Great fishing and such beautiful delicious fish,love your videos! Stay safe folks and have a great summer.

[@AncientHermit]

Life is really waking up again, got to love warmer weather of proper spring as it heads towards the not quite so wonderful summer heat. ;) With the food stores looking really good too, not even starting thinking about eating from the garden for another week or three yet. Busy times have started. Have a good week. Be well.😉

[@sandraengstrand2784]

Love seeing you cook together!! 😋😋 And that focaccia!!!!! 😍

[@angelamarie4137]

Thank you so much for another awesome video. I hope you absolutely deluge us with lots of videos all summer because I think we could all use a little bit of Alaska in our lives. 🙂

[@joannemcmillan9201]

My sister loves smelt! I’m really intrigued with this subject.