Imagine a dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors in every single bite - a culinary journey that transforms humble sardines into a gourmet masterpiece! These stuffed sardines are not just a recipe; they're a celebration of Italian coastal tradition, where simple ingredients dance together to create an extraordinary dining experience. Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched Italian kitchen, where fresh herbs, creamy ricotta, and perfectly prepared sardines await to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- sardines
- ricotta cheese
- mixed herbs (e.g., parsley, dill)
- breadcrumbs
- olive oil
- garlic
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure that the sardines cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
- Rinse the sardines under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Carefully remove the heads and guts, if not already done, and open them up to create a pocket for the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 250g of ricotta cheese with a handful of finely chopped mixed herbs, such as parsley and dill. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add 50g of breadcrumbs to the ricotta mixture to help bind it together. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Take each sardine and carefully stuff it with the ricotta and herb mixture. Use a spoon to fill the pocket generously, but avoid overstuffing to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Once all the sardines are stuffed, place them in a baking dish. Drizzle a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over the top of the sardines to keep them moist during baking.
- Finely chop 2 cloves of garlic and sprinkle them over the sardines for added flavor. You can also add a bit more salt and pepper if desired.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sardines are cooked through and the tops are lightly golden.
- Once cooked, remove the sardines from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Serve the sardine ripiene di ricotta ed erbette with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality sardines for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat sardines completely dry before stuffing to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Don't overstuff the sardines - a light, delicate filling works best.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact.
- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling.
- Let the sardines rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle.
- If you're not a fan of garlic, you can substitute with finely chopped shallots.
- Serve immediately or at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
- Pair with a crisp white wine to complement the rich, herbal flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with ground almonds.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
