Step 1

Put the potatoes in a pan of salted water, bring to the boil and cook for 10 minutes or until tender. Drain and steam dry for 5 minutes. Tip back into the pan and mash with the milk and plenty of black pepper.

Step 2

Drain the sardines, reserving the oil. Heat a splash of the oil in a frying pan, add the shallots and gently cook for 7-8 minutes until soft. Add the shallots to the mash along with the drained sardines and the lemon juice, then mix well. Roll heaped tablespoons of mixture to make about 20 balls.

Step 3

Beat the eggs in one dish and put the flour in another. Roll the balls in egg, then flour. Set aside. Heat another splash of the reserved oil in the frying pan and fry the balls until golden all over and heated through (about 10 minutes). Remove from the pan and cover to keep warm.

Step 4

Warm the crème fraîche in the pan with the mustard and capers. Return the balls to the pan and toss gently. Scatter with the lemon zest, dill and more pepper to serve.