Interested in some easy Portuguese sardine recipes? Here are some simple ones to try. Read on for more facts & information…
Since the Portuguese people consume more fish than most other nations on the earth it comes as no great surprise that they have developed a number of recipes that enliven and enhance the experience of consuming the fish called the sardine.
Fresh sardines are typically preferred for all these recipes, but may be hard to find where you live, especially if there aren’t many people with Mediterranean origins in your vicinity. Frozen sardines can be substituted with satisfactory results.
A few very simple and easy recipes for sardines follow:
Simple Sardines
You will need the following ingredients:
• Fresh sardines
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
Preparation:
1. Preheat a stovetop grill
2. Clean the sardines
3. Brush the sardines (head in tact) with olive oil
4. Add salt and black pepper to taste
5. Grill for one to two minutes on each side
Sardines prepared in this fashion go well with roasted or baked potatoes and grilled, whole red peppers.
Sardines for a Sandwich
Now that you are aware of the fact that fresh sardines present an intriguing possibility or two you may want to try the following simple suggestion:
You will need the following ingredients:
- Fresh sardines obtained from a fishmonger or a grocery store that sells them.
Preparation:
1. Clean and gut the sardines.
2. Cut into each sardine in three or four locations.
3. Stuff the sardine with herb butter and place them in a hot oven until cooked.
4. Head off beforehand to the nearest Portuguese bakery if possible and buy some pao (crusty bread); or French bread will do in a pinch. Serve with the sardines for an excellent sandwich.
Simple Sardines with Garlic and Oil
Another simple and traditional Portuguese recipe for you to try proceeds as follows:
You will need the following ingredients:
• 1 kg fresh sardines
• 250 ml of olive oil
• 250 ml tomato ketchup or tomato puree mixed with 3 tablespoons of vinegar
• 10 flakes of crushed garlic
Preparation:
1. Clean the sardines thoroughly. Remove the heads, fins and entrails. Wash with water and add salt with pepper (optional).
2. Heat the oil in a pressure cooker.
3. Add the garlic, tomato or ketchup and two cups of water.
4. Next, add the sardines to the oil. Close the cooker. Cook for an hour and fifteen minutes.
5. If you opt for the vinegar instead of the tomato ketchup it is best to use a paste made with five garlic cloves. Add those to the heated oil, in addition to the water.
