Mediterranean-style Grilled Sardines

Recipe by: Victoria Blashford-Snell, Brigitte Hafner | from The Illustrated Kitchen Bible

Cookstr

Course: Hot Appetizer, Tapas/Small Plates

Total Time: Under 4 Hours

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Inexpensive

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Popular in coastal regions all over southern Europe, this is the way to enjoy these oily fish at their very best

Yield: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

8 large whole sardines, cleaned
8 thyme or lemon thyme sprigs, plus more to garnish
4 lemons
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
2 garlic cloves, crushed

Directions

1. Rinse the sardines inside and out and pat with paper towels. Insert a sprig of thyme inside each fish. Place them in a shallow nonmetallic dish. Grate the zest and squeeze the juice from 3 of the lemons. Whisk the lemon zest and juice, oil, cumin, and garlic together in a bowl. Pour over the sardines. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

2. Preheat the broiler. Transfer the sardines to an oiled broiler rack, reserving the mariande. Broil for 2-3 minutes on each side, basting with the marinade.

3. Thinly slice the remaining lemon. Transfer the sardines to a serving platter and serve immediately, garnished with the lemon wedges and more thyme sprigs.