Sardines with Breadcrumb, Parsley and Parmesan Stuffing

Serves: to serve 4

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 6 Minutes

Ready In: 16 mins

Ingredients

16 - sardines

4 slices - white bread

1 cup - flat leaf parsley leaves

1 clove - garlic

4 oz - freshly grated parmesan

1 - egg

  - salt and pepper

3 oz - plain flour (all-purpose flour)

  - olive oil

Directions

  1. Scale the sardines by running a knife blade down each side "against" the normal lie of the scales. Remove the head and innards of each sardine (click here to see a simple method for cleaning sardines).
  2. Remove any crusts from the bread. Peel the garlic and place it into a food processor along with the bread and parsley. Process finely to create breadcrumbs and place in a bowl. Mix in the grated parmesan, egg (beaten) and salt and pepper and mix well.
  3. Place a sardine (skin-side down) in the palm of your hand and spread a tablespoon of breadcrumb stuffing in the centre. Flatten it out across the sardine without going right to the edges. Place another sardine on top (skin side up) and press it lightly to the stuffing. Repeat with the remaining sardines and stuffing.
  4. Place the flour on a plate and season with a little salt and pepper. Lightly dust both sides of the stuffed sardines in the flour. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the sardines for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Eat while hot with a few new potatoes and fried tomato.