Marinated Sardines With Fennel, Raisins And Pine Nuts Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Clean the sardines by removing the scales and guts, and rinse them under cold water.
• STEP 2.In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
• STEP 3.Place the sardines in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the sardines are fully coated.
• STEP 4.Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
• STEP 5.In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced fennel and cook until it becomes tender and slightly caramelized.
• STEP 6.Add the raisins and pine nuts to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the raisins plump up and the pine nuts are lightly toasted.
• STEP 7.Remove the sardines from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels.
• STEP 8.Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the sardines with olive oil and grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.
• STEP 9.Serve the grilled sardines on a platter, topped with the fennel, raisins, and pine nuts mixture. Drizzle with some of the leftover marinade and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
• STEP 10.Enjoy the marinated sardines with fennel, raisins, and pine nuts warm or at room temperature.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to choose fresh sardines for the best flavor and texture.
• If you can't find fresh sardines, you can use canned sardines instead. Just make sure to drain them well before marinating.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs in the marinade to suit your taste.
• You can also add some red pepper flakes to the marinade if you like a bit of heat.
• Serve the marinated sardines with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Serving

• Leftover marinated sardines can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To serve, bring the sardines to room temperature or gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat.
• Serve the marinated sardines as an appetizer, a light lunch, or as part of a tapas spread.
• Pair them with a crisp white wine or a refreshing rosé for a perfect pairing.