Smoked Sardines Rillettes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What cheese goes with sardines? ›

Sardines with Sauvignon Blanc and Manchego cheese: The bright, zesty flavors of the Sauvignon Blanc complement the oily, slightly salty flavor of the sardines, while the nutty flavor of Manchego cheese adds a complimenting touch.

Sold fresh, smoked, dried, and canned, they're an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain magnesium, protein, potassium, selenium, and vitamins like vitamin B12; it's safe to say these little fish pack a big nutritional punch.

And as with all things culinary, the French really do them right. Whether they be grilled then bathed in extra-virgin olive oil before being tinned, or combined with a bit of gentle pepper, or layered with sliced lemon, or just simply put in the tin, they're delicious.

Rinse off excess salt.

If you can't find a brand that has a “No Salt Added” version, look for sardines that are packed in spring water. Then, rinsing the sardines may help to reduce some of the salt content. Just empty the can into a colander and rinse with cold water, shaking it and turning the sardines as you rinse.

Canned sardines come packed in water, oil, tomato juice, and other liquids in a tin can. You can eat them right out of the can, top them with onions or peppers, or add condiments such as mustard, mayo, or hot sauce. Usually, the heads have been removed, but you'll be eating the skin and bones.

Or consider eating them with mayonnaise, aioli, softened butter or jammy eggs. This should go without saying, but they also love lots of fresh herbs and thinly sliced onions, scallions or chives. If you're not sure that you're ready to commit to a full plate of sardines, I get it.

Yes, both Shea Rawn and Manaker suggest you can eat canned sardines daily, but there are a few things to consider if you do. Manaker notes that recommended seafood intake is 8 to 12 ounces per week (depending on your age and individual factors).

They naturally contain a substance that creates uric acid. Uric acid buildup can cause kidney and gout issues for those who are already susceptible. Canned sardines are high in salt. If you're trying to reduce your salt intake, check the label before eating canned sardines.

"Sardines are known to have arsenic in them. Because of this, and because of the fact that sardines also can be contaminated with mercury, they should not be eaten more than three to four times a week, one can at a time," says MH advisor Abby Langer, RD, author of Good Food, Bad Diet.

Some ways to eat sardines other than plain out of the can include. Sardine Sandwich: Mash the sardines with mayonnaise, mustard, or other desired ingredients and spread it on bread for a delicious sandwich. Sardine Salad: Add sardines to your favorite salad recipe for an extra boost of flavor and omega-3 fatty acids.

What ethnicity eats sardines? ›

Sardines play an important role in Portuguese cuisine and culture. Historically a people who depend heavily on the sea for food and commerce, the Portuguese have a predilection for fish in their popular festivities.

In Greece, it does not go unnoticed when someone eats sardines with a fork and a knife. Locals will eat sardines with their hands, pulling off the head along with the backbone and then picking up the flesh and skin with their fingers. Some people even eat the entire fish—head and all.

The Portuguese eat more fish than any other European Union nation with the sardine a crucial staple of people's diet. The humble sardine, a feature of the street parties that pop up across Portugal in summer, makes up two-thirds of the country's fish catch and has spawned an important canning industry.

Sardines are small, oily fish that contain important nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and protein. Both fresh and canned sardines have health benefits and can help support the health of your heart, bones, and immune system.

Pour sardines and soybean oil into tomato-onion mixture; mash fish with a fork until incorporated. Cover skillet, reduce to low, and cook until sardines are heated through, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.