Fresh Sardines are in

Tony’s has fresh whole sardines from Portugal in for those lovers of small fishes. I like to grill them on the green egg or broil as below and have some good toast and maybe a small salad with a light vinegar to cut the richness. I also make Alon Shaya’s hummus and it will last about a month in the icebox and last time I had a plate of it and spread it on the toast with a hunk of sardine.

Mark Bittman broiled sardines

Nuno Mendes grilled sardines

And if you like the canned King Oscar here is a good empanada recipe.


Pati Jinich sardine empanadas

The same recipe in YouTube

I made the empanadas before and they are really good and assertive.

I also like to use the canned with a pasta. Shallots, capers, lemon zest sautéed in olive oil then add canned sardines breaking them up a bit until cooked through. Then add pasta and a bit of pasta water, salt and pepper, Aleppo pepper, fresh chopped parsley. Maybe add some fresh diced tomatoes.

Or just open the tin, drain the oil, pull one out with a pocketknife and put on a saltine while sitting on the tailgate waiting for a dove to fly by.

Anyway I’m aware they are an acquired taste but I know the board has some dedicated fans and thought they would like to go get fresh ones to try.

Any other recipes out there?