Sardine Stuffed with Pugliese Flavors

Ingredients

• 12 fresh sardines, cleaned and deboned 12 fresh sardines, cleaned and deboned
• 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup (50g) Pecorino cheese, grated 1/2 cup (50g) Pecorino cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling Olive oil for drizzling
• Lemon wedges for serving Lemon wedges for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Pecorino cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Take each cleaned sardine and open it flat, skin side down.
4. 4.
   Spoon a generous amount of the breadcrumb mixture onto each sardine and roll it up tightly.
5. 5.
   Place the stuffed sardines in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sardines are cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
7. 7.
   Serve the Sardine Stuffed with Pugliese Flavors hot, with lemon wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sardines — Ensure that the sardines are fresh and properly cleaned before using them in the recipe. Removing the bones carefully will make the stuffing process easier.
• Pecorino cheese — Use a good quality Pecorino cheese for the best flavor. If unavailable, Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve the stuffed sardines with a side of fresh tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, broil the stuffed sardines for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the stuffing mixture, such as oregano or lemon zest, to personalize the flavors.
• Leftover stuffed sardines can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold the next day as a delicious addition to salads or sandwiches.

Serving advice

Serve the Sardine Stuffed with Pugliese Flavors as a main course accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. Garnish with lemon wedges for a tangy touch.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed sardines on a platter, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for an elegant presentation. Serve with a colorful salad to create a visually appealing dish.