Mediterranean Stuffed Sardine Delight
A traditional Sicilian dish made with sardines stuffed with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and herbs, then baked to perfection for a delicious Mediterranean bite.
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Toothpicks
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
For the Stuffing
- 1 cup stale Italian bread, finely crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 2 tbsp raisins, rinsed and drained
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
For the Sardines
- 12 fresh sardines, cleaned and deboned
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic, red onion, lemon zest and juice, parsley, basil, pine nuts, raisins, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Open each sardine and place a generous spoonful of the stuffing inside. Fold closed and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Arrange stuffed sardines on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the sardines are cooked through and the stuffing is golden.
- Remove from oven, garnish with basil, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Be gentle when handling sardines to avoid tearing the fillets. The stuffing can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Fresh sardines yield the best flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!