Grilled Sardines with Piquillo Pepper Sauce

By BobD

Fresh sardines are among the most sustainable seafood choices. Plus, they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and have very low levels of mercury relative to larger fish.

Ingredients

• 12 fresh large sardines, cleaned (have your fishmonger do this)
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup jarred piquillo peppers (4 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Grilled peasant bread, for serving

Preparation

Step 1

Arrange the sardines in a shallow baking dish. Pour 1/2 cup of the olive oil over the sardines and top with two-thirds of the chopped garlic. Season with salt and black pepper. Let the sardines stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a mini food processor, combine the piquillo peppers with the sherry vinegar, cayenne pepper and the remaining chopped garlic; puree until smooth. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil and puree until incorporated. Season the piquillo pepper sauce with salt and pepper.

Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Oil the grill and grill the sardines, flipping them once, until they are lightly charred and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer the sardines to a large platter and serve with the piquillo pepper sauce and grilled peasant bread.