Oven-Baked Sardines Recipe: A Delightful Italian Second Course
Welcome to Love With Recipes, where we bring you the finest culinary delights from around the world. Today, we’re diving into the coastal flavors of Italy with a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe for Oven-Baked Sardines. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two, this dish highlights the natural goodness of sardines paired with aromatic herbs, crunchy breadcrumbs, and the subtle nuttiness of pine nuts.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sardines | 250 g |
| Breadcrumbs | 60 g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 60 g |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Fresh thyme | 1 sprig |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Grana Padano cheese (grated) | 20 g |
| Pine nuts | 30 g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for baking) | 15 g |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step directions to prepare a meal bursting with Mediterranean charm.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clean the Sardines: Begin by cleaning the sardines. Use disposable kitchen gloves if preferred. Under running water, gently remove the heads. Open each sardine like a book and carefully extract the central bone by pulling it towards the tail. Repeat for all sardines. |
| 2 | Prepare the Parsley Mix: Rinse, dry, and finely chop the parsley. Mix the parsley with 60 g of olive oil in a bowl until you have a uniform paste. |
| 3 | Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a 19×15 cm baking dish and drizzle it with 15 g of olive oil, ensuring the bottom is well coated. |
| 4 | Assemble the Sardines: Arrange a layer of sardines horizontally in the dish without overlapping. Lightly season with salt and pepper. |
| 5 | Add the Breadcrumb Layer: Sprinkle a layer of breadcrumbs over the sardines, followed by a light dusting of grated Grana Padano cheese. |
| 6 | Add a Second Layer of Sardines: Place another layer of sardines vertically (opposite direction to the first layer). Season with salt and pepper again, then cover with the remaining breadcrumb mixture. |
| 7 | Decorate with Pine Nuts: Garnish the top with pine nuts, distributing them evenly across the surface. |
| 8 | Bake: Preheat your oven to grill mode at 200°C (390°F). Bake the sardines for 8 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. |
| 9 | Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the dish is hot and aromatic. Enjoy your oven-baked sardines with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad. |
Pro Tips for Perfect Sardines
- Freshness Matters: Opt for the freshest sardines you can find for the best flavor.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano or basil for a unique twist.
- Serve with Style: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Vermentino or Sauvignon Blanc for an authentic Italian dining experience.
Bring the taste of coastal Italy to your table with this straightforward yet sophisticated recipe. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these Oven-Baked Sardines are sure to impress. Explore more Mediterranean recipes at Love With Recipes, your go-to source for global culinary inspiration!
