Grilled Sardines with Mint and Almonds

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Andrew Zimmern’s Kitchen AdventuresThis dish has all the complex flavors of traditional North African cuisine, yet it’s surprisingly simple. If sardines aren’t available, try using any fresh fish. I prefer small fish: anything from 5 ounces to 2 pounds is perfect. I also make this recipe once a year with a whole wild salmon—I just triple the rub/sauce elements and cut deep slashes in the fish for holding the seasonings and to help it cook evenly. Look, the world would be a better place if we all ate small fish with the heads on once a month, so go buy some mackerel, sardines, mullet, rouget, small pompano, porgies, skate, you name it…and get your fish groove on. Last thought, this makes a great fish dish for Passover. From my lips to God’s ears.—Andrew Zimmern Slideshow: Superb Sardine Recipes

By

Andrew Zimmern

Updated on June 4, 2019

Grilled Sardines with Mint and Almonds — Photo: © Stephanie Meyer

Total Time:

30 mins

Yield:

8 to 10

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Ingredients

3/4 cup whole almonds
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1 small onion, minced
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1/2 cup packed mint leaves
3 large garlic cloves
Pinch of crushed red pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
12 fresh sardines, small red mullet, mackerel or trout—cleaned, heads left on
Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. On a rimmed baking sheet, spread the almonds in an even layer and toast for about 10 minutes, until golden.
In a medium bowl, stir the saffron with 2 tablespoons of hot water. Let stand for 2 minutes, then stir in the onion, raisins and half of the roasted almonds.
In a food processor, combine the cilantro, mint, garlic and crushed pepper and pulse just to combine. With the machine on, drizzle in the olive oil. Add two-thirds of the herb mixture into the onion mixture.
Using a sharp paring knife, make 3 diagonal slashes into the fish on both sides. Rub the remaining herb mixture all over the fish and into the slashes. Grill or broil the fish for about 3 minutes per side,until nicely charred and cooked through.
Spoon some of the sauce onto a serving platter, top with the grilled sardines and serve with lime wedges.

Originally appeared: January 2013

Grilled Sardines with Mint and Almonds

Ingredients

Directions

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