Sardines, tomato pesto & soft polenta
Prep
15 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
This is one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners that feels far more impressive than the thirty five minutes it takes to get on the table. Creamy polenta provides the perfect canvas for briny sardines and tangy tomato pesto, creating a dish that's both comforting and deeply nourishing. Sardines are packed with omega 3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health, making this meal as good for you as it is delicious. What I love most is how budget friendly it is, relying on just a handful of pantry staples and canned fish to deliver restaurant quality flavor without any fuss.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 1onion(finely chopped)
- 100 gramsessential sun-dried tomato pesto
- 100 gramspitted black olives(Essential Pitted Black Olives, from a can, roughly chopped)
- ½oregano(finely chopped, plus extra leaves to sprinkle)
- 300 mlswhole milk
- 2garlic cloves(cloves garlic, crushed)
- 1 tspsalt
- 150 gramspolenta
- 250 gramsessential cherry tomatoes(halved)
- 3essential sardines in tomato sauce
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Heat the oil in a saucepan and gently fry the onion for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the pesto, olives, oregano and 100ml water and remove from the heat.
- 2
In a separate saucepan, heat the milk and 600ml water, the garlic, salt and a little pepper until simmering. Slowly tip in the polenta, whisking well until smooth. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently
- 3
3 Stir the tomatoes into the pesto sauce and heat through for 2 minutes. Tip the contents of the can of sardines on top. Cover and heat through for 5 minutes, taking care not to break the sardines up too much. Spoon the polenta onto plates, then the sardines and sauce on top. Serve scattered with oregano leaves
Recipe Variations
Get AI-powered ingredient substitution suggestions.
You Might Also Like
Dark chocolate, chilli & salted pretzel slice
This is one of my favourite ways to use up a jar of chocolate sauce and create something that tastes far more impressive than it actually is. The magic happens when dark chocolate meets a hint of smoky chilli and the irresistible crunch of salted pretzels, all wrapped up in a simple sponge. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, so you can feel a little virtuous with each bite. What I love most is that this comes together in just 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes in the oven, making it perfect for when friends drop by unexpectedly. It's basically a one bowl wonder that never fails to impress.
Coconut & raspberry crush
Have you tried making a drink that's both refreshing and genuinely good for you? This coconut and raspberry crush is my go to when I want something special without the fuss. The best part is how quick it comes together in just ten minutes of prep. Coconut water is absolutely fantastic for hydration, packed with natural electrolytes that your body actually needs. I love combining it with tart raspberries and a hint of mint for that perfect balance of sweet and zingy. It's simple, it's delicious, and honestly, it feels like you're treating yourself to something fancy.
Minted bean & burrata salad
Creamy burrata, sweet broad beans and fresh mint make for a brilliant summertime combo. Serve with crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices.
Reviews
Sign in to write a review.