Roasted Sardines with Pea
Prep
15 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Crispy roasted sardines paired with buttery peas and garlic, finished with lemon and fresh herbs for a light yet satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 12fresh sardines(cleaned and gutted)
- 473 mlfrozen peas
- 3 tablespoonsbutter
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 1lemon(zest and juice)
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- 1 teaspoonsea salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- 3 tablespoonsfresh parsley(chopped)
- 2 sprigsfresh thyme
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the cleaned sardines dry with paper towels and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Tip: Drying the sardines helps them crisp up beautifully when roasted.
- 2
Drizzle the sardines with olive oil, then season generously with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the skin is crispy and the flesh is cooked through.
Tip: Sardines cook quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
- 3
While the sardines roast, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Tip: Don't let the garlic brown; it should remain light and aromatic.
- 4
Add the frozen peas to the skillet and stir well to coat with the garlic butter. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are heated through and tender.
Tip: If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth.
- 5
Remove the peas from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: The lemon brightens the earthy peas perfectly.
- 6
Once the sardines are done, transfer them to a serving platter and arrange the pea mixture around them.
- 7
Garnish the entire dish with fresh chopped parsley and thyme sprigs. Serve immediately while the sardines are still warm and crispy.
Tip: A squeeze of additional fresh lemon at the table enhances the flavors beautifully.
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