Sardines, a delicious and healthy ingredient, are often underestimated, but when prepared correctly, they can become the stars of a flavorful meal. The first step in preparing this dish is cleaning the sardines. Carefully remove the scales, cut off the head, and take out the backbone, being careful not to break the fish in two. Using two fingers, pull the backbone from the tail to the head, ensuring that all the bones are removed. After the sardines are cleaned and washed well, place them in a bowl with a little olive oil and lemon juice to give them a fresh and invigorating taste.
In the meantime, let's take care of the potatoes. Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly to bake evenly. In a separate bowl, mix the potato slices with a little flavored oil, adding a clove of finely chopped garlic and a sprig of fresh rosemary. If you prefer a milder taste, you can omit the garlic, as I did, since I am more picky about flavors. Mix the potatoes well so that each slice absorbs the flavors.
Preparing the baking tray, place a sheet of parchment paper at the bottom of the tray. The potato slices are arranged in the shape of flower petals, creating an attractive presentation. On top of the potatoes, place the sardines, and if you wish, you can add another layer of potatoes for a more generous appearance. It is a personal choice, and I opted not to cover them to allow the sardines to brown nicely.
The oven should be preheated to a high temperature, and the tray is placed in the oven for 15-20 minutes. The baking time may vary depending on the amount in the tray, so it is important to check after 10 minutes if the potatoes are already cooked. Be careful not to leave them too long, so as not to dry out the sardines! This dish can also be adapted with anchovies or fillets of your favorite fish, cut smaller, thus offering versatility that suits everyone's tastes. In the end, you will have a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a family dinner or with friends!
In the meantime, let's take care of the potatoes. Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly to bake evenly. In a separate bowl, mix the potato slices with a little flavored oil, adding a clove of finely chopped garlic and a sprig of fresh rosemary. If you prefer a milder taste, you can omit the garlic, as I did, since I am more picky about flavors. Mix the potatoes well so that each slice absorbs the flavors.
Preparing the baking tray, place a sheet of parchment paper at the bottom of the tray. The potato slices are arranged in the shape of flower petals, creating an attractive presentation. On top of the potatoes, place the sardines, and if you wish, you can add another layer of potatoes for a more generous appearance. It is a personal choice, and I opted not to cover them to allow the sardines to brown nicely.
The oven should be preheated to a high temperature, and the tray is placed in the oven for 15-20 minutes. The baking time may vary depending on the amount in the tray, so it is important to check after 10 minutes if the potatoes are already cooked. Be careful not to leave them too long, so as not to dry out the sardines! This dish can also be adapted with anchovies or fillets of your favorite fish, cut smaller, thus offering versatility that suits everyone's tastes. In the end, you will have a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a family dinner or with friends!
Ingredients
2 servings: 10 sardines, 2 potatoes, oil, salt, rosemary, garlic, lemon juice