Spanish Grilled Sardines
The Spanish are renowned for their passion for gastronomy. Their cuisine is characterized by mouthwatering recipes, the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, and a dedication to clean and simple cooking techniques that result in extraordinary delicacies, such as Spanish grilled sardines.
The Espeto is a quintessential dish from the southern regions of Spain, specifically Málaga and the Granada Coast. This delightful culinary creation involves skewering fish, most traditionally sardines, onto slender, elongated rods, which are then roasted over a firewood flame right on the sandy beaches.
These delectable fish are seasoned with a touch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice, and they are best enjoyed piping hot, eaten with your fingers for an authentic and satisfying experience.
Ingredients
- 8 sardines
- 8 skewers
- 2 lemons
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ tablespoon of chopped rosemary
- ½ tablespoon chopped green olives
- ½ tablespoon chopped capers
- ½ cup (140g) coarse salt
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
To begin preparing this grilled sardine recipe, soak the skewers in cold water for approximately half an hour. This step is essential to prevent them from burning when exposed to an open flame.
Next, grate a lemon and extract one tablespoon of its zest. Combine this lemon zest with the parsley, garlic, rosemary, olives, and capers on a deep plate.
Preheat the grill to high heat while the skewers are soaking and the herb mixture is ready. During this time, pierce each sardine through its entire body using one of the soaked skewers.
Once the grill is sufficiently heated, you can place the sardines on a baking tray or use a special grill for cooking fish. Lay the skewered sardines on the cooking surface.
Season the sardines generously, covering them with coarse salt, and drizzle olive oil over them for added flavor.
Now, carefully position the sardines on the grill, ensuring they cook for no more than 3 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides of the fish receive even heat.
For the final step, remove the grilled sardines from the heat and generously pour the previously prepared mixture of herbs over them. This aromatic herb mixture will complement the sardines' flavors beautifully.
Enjoy your delicious grilled sardines!