Zesty Sautéed Sardines with Garlic and Chilies

Sautéed Sardines

Ingredients:

• 155 grams sardines (canned or fresh)
• 3 shallots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 red chilies
• 5 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt to taste
• Water (optional, as needed)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Begin by opening your can of sardines or, if using fresh sardines, clean and pat them dry. Set aside.
   • Peel and finely slice the shallots and garlic.
   • Slice the red chilies thinly, removing seeds if you prefer less heat.

2. Heat the Oil:

   • In a skillet or frying pan, heat 5 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat until it shimmers.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

   • Add the sliced shallots and garlic to the hot oil. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and golden.

4. Add Sardines:

   • Gently add the sardines to the pan. If you’re using canned sardines, you can include some of the oil from the can for added flavor.

5. Cook the Dish:

   • Stir the sardines occasionally, allowing them to cook for about 5 minutes. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a small amount of water to achieve your desired consistency.

6. Final Touches:

   • Add the sliced red chilies to the pan and stir well. Season with salt to taste.

7. Serve:

   • Once the sardines are cooked through and the flavors have melded together, transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy your sautéed sardines warm with steamed rice or as a flavorful side dish.

This simple yet delicious recipe brings out the rich taste of sardines with the aromatic touch of sautéed shallots, garlic, and a hint of heat from the red chilies. Perfect for a quick meal or a tasty addition to your favorite dishes.