Barbecued Sardines
Sardinas a la plancha
Serves 8
Barbecued sardines are an institution throughout the Mediterranean world. “Blue” fish such as anchovies and sardines were weekly fare in many Spanish households even before it was discovered that they are very rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and extremely good for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
4 lbs / 2 kg medium sardines
Unlike anchovies, sardines have scales and as so they need to be scaled before barbecuing. If the sardines are not too small in size, your fish monger may scale them for you.
When you arrive home with the sardines, wash them to remove any remaining scales, place a small saucer in a bowl and place the sardines in the bowl on the saucer. As you place the sardines in the bowl, sprinkle a little salt on each.
Heat the barbecue to medium heat and place the sardines on the grill. Cook the sardines about 5 minutes on each side, (depending on their size), turning them once. The sardines are cooked if you can separate the flesh from the spine.
Sardines will release a good deal of fish oil as they cook. Have a spray bottle on hand to dampen any barbecue fires.