Spiced Sardines
Description: This recipe, inspired by a request from Troy, is a delightful offering from the revered pages of the “Indian Cooking” cookbook. While Russell sings praises of these spiced sardines, I confess, I harbor reservations about tiny fish laden with bones. Note that the prep time listed does not encompass the marinating duration.
Recipe Category: Curries
Keywords: Asian, Indian, Spicy, Quick & Easy, Stove Top, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 217.9
- Fat: 16.6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.2g
- Cholesterol: 34.1mg
- Sodium: 706.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 10.2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Protein: 7.3g
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 | Sardines |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 3-4 | Lemon juice (tablespoons) |
| 1/2 | Salt (teaspoon) |
| 1/2 | Ground turmeric (teaspoon) |
| 1/2 | Red chili powder (teaspoon) |
| 1/2 – 1 | All-purpose flour (cup) |
| 6 | Oil (for frying) |
| 4 | Lemon wedges (for garnish) |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sardines:
- Scale and clean the sardines, ensuring they are free of scales and guts. If preferred, this task can be delegated to your friendly neighborhood fishmonger.
- Rinse the sardines under cold running water, ensuring they are thoroughly cleaned.
- Pat dry the sardines with absorbent paper towels, removing excess moisture.
-
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, combine the salt and peeled garlic clove, then crush them together until a smooth paste forms.
- Add the lemon juice, ground turmeric, and red chili powder to the garlic paste, stirring until well combined.
-
Marinate the Sardines:
- Place the cleaned and dried sardines in a wide, shallow bowl.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the sardines, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.
-
Fry the Sardines:
- In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Meanwhile, spread the all-purpose flour on a plate.
- Individually dip each marinated sardine into the flour, ensuring they are thoroughly coated on all sides.
- Carefully place the coated sardines in the hot oil, frying until golden brown on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Once fried to perfection, transfer the sardines to a plate lined with absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil.
-
Serve:
- Garnish the spiced sardines with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
- Serve hot and crispy alongside your favorite side dishes or as part of a larger meal.
Enjoy the tantalizing flavors of these spiced sardines, a dish that perfectly balances the warmth of Indian spices with the delicate richness of fresh sardines. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course, this recipe is sure to impress with its aromatic charm and irresistible taste.
