SARDINES | SEVERAL WAYS TO ENJOY

Sardines in tomato sauce

Sardines and Various Ways to Enjoy

Sardines (Tamban in Hiligaynon) are often referred to as food for the poor.

Sardines are not getting the accolades it deserves. This kind of fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, they are sustainable, and most importantly, they are cheap and can be availed easily by the masses. Moreover, this fish is one of the best and cheapest sources of protein and rich in Vitamin B12.

Recently, we have read so much about the clamor of some people receiving canned sardines as part of support by the LGUs or even private organization in this COVID-19 pandemic season.

My heart bleeds reading the nasty comments and the disapproval of some people receiving the gift. With this, I did some research as to the various ways to enjoy this food.

Suggested Sardine Dishes

Sardine Pizza

Pan Pizza Topping

If you have some bread (pandesal or any available bread), top it with mashed sardines in tomatoes sauce and load in your oven or toaster for few minutes. You may add some cheese if you have, for an enhanced flavor. You can also add this fish into the topping of your homemade pizza.

Sardine Spread

Spread for toast or cracker

Saute the canned sardines, and it is a perfect spread for your bread or crackers. Perfect snack while watching TV or Netflix.

Sauteed Sardine in Tomato Sauce

Spread for your grilled bread

In some areas in the Philippines, you can see some vendors selling grilled Pan de Siosa. You can sautee this canned fish, and for sure they will be perfect pair for this hot grilled bread being sold on the streets.

Add them to a Salad

Sardines in oil can transform your green salad into something else.

Avocado Sardine Salad

Drain your sardines in oil or brine, add some finely chopped onions, parsley, pepper, and mayonnaise. You can add some avocado cubes, or you can scoop the mixture to fill-up an avocado half.

Sardine Pasta

You can add this fish in tomato sauce to a portion of pasta and enjoy it. Or you can add some sardines (drained) and toss with pesto or marinara. You can also mix fish meat into primavera or carbonara.

Burrito/Taco/Tortilla Sardines

This kind of fish works well with a tortilla. You can also make some fish tacos or burritos using this fish.

Best Ingredient for Fish Cakes and Fish Ball

You can make any fish cake using sardines. You can also puree the meat of the fish as a flavoring for your fishballs.

Omellete

Toss meat of this fish along with your other favorite veggies to make your omelet for breakfast.

Pair For your Potatoes, Cassava

Sauteed Sardines can enhance the flavor of any potato dish. In Rural areas where cassava is abundant, you can pair it with steamed cassava or any other root crops.

Perfect Pair for your Miswa

This fish is a popular ingredient for Miswa along with patola, which is abundant in the Philippines.

Braised Greens Flavoring

Add flakes of sardine to your braised greens, like pechay and any other greens available in your garden.

Fresh sardines can be prepared grilled, fried, or paksiw (pinamalhan in Hiligaynon).

There are more ways to enjoy this food. Let’s be thankful for this gift from nature. And be grateful for the donation you have received from benevolent donors this time of COVID-16.