This simple recipe relies on the freshest possible ingredients, particularly the sardines, so that a perfect marriage of flavours can take place. Be sure to buy sardines that have not been previously frozen. Serve as a starter or a light meal.
preparation time 15 minutes
cooking time 30 minutes
serves 6
Ingredients
1 kg (2 lb) fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted
finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
6 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
125 ml (4 fl oz) dry white wine
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Preheat the oven to 180°C, 350°F, gas mark 4.
2 Rinse the sardines thoroughly and then pat them dry on kitchen paper. Place them in a lightly greased shallow baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer.
3 Sprinkle the grated lemon zest, garlic, dill and parsley over the sardines, then season generously with salt and pepper.
4 Pour on the lemon juice and white wine, then cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid. Bake for 30 minutes or until the sardines are cooked through. Serve hot or warm.
If like me, you are conditioned to think that sardines should be cooked al fresco on the barbecue, and this recipe appeals to you, then simply omit the white wine and follow your heart! Be sure to serve it with plenty of crusty white bread. This is a great help if you get those annoying little bones lodged in your mouth.