Roasted Sardines with Celery
Prep
15 mins
Cook
35 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Crispy roasted sardines paired with tender caramelized celery, garlic, and a bright lemon-herb finish. A simple yet elegant Mediterranean-inspired dish that's ready in under an hour.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 1.2 kgfresh sardines(gutted and cleaned)
- 6celery stalks(cut into 3-inch pieces)
- 6 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
- 5garlic cloves(thinly sliced)
- 1½fresh lemon(juiced and zested)
- 2 teaspoonsfresh thyme(dried or fresh)
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 59 mldry white wine
- 3 tablespoonsfresh parsley(chopped)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat the cleaned sardines dry with paper towels and season inside and out with salt and pepper.
Tip: Dry sardines will roast more evenly and develop a better crust.
- 2
Toss the celery pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half the garlic slices, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Spread on one side of a large roasting pan.
Tip: Cut celery pieces uniformly so they cook at the same rate.
- 3
Roast the celery in the oven for 12 minutes to begin softening, then remove the pan and push the celery to the sides.
Tip: This head start ensures the celery will be tender by the time the sardines finish cooking.
- 4
Arrange the sardines in the center of the pan between the celery. Drizzle sardines with remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil, scatter remaining garlic on top, then sprinkle with lemon zest and red pepper flakes.
Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; if needed, use two smaller pans for better roasting.
- 5
Pour the white wine into the bottom of the pan (avoiding pouring on the fish), then return to the oven for 18-22 minutes until the sardines are cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Tip: The wine will create steam that helps cook the vegetables while adding flavor.
- 6
Remove from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Tip: The bright acidity of lemon complements sardines beautifully.
- 7
Transfer to a serving platter, scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tip: This dish is wonderful served with crusty bread to soak up the pan juices.
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