Mexican-Style Sardines

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil (enough to coat the pan)
• 0.5 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 jalapeño peppers (sliced or chopped)
• 3 tomatoes (chopped)
• salt (to taste)
• 2 cans canned sardines in tomato sauce (with their sauce/purée)
• 1 pinch dried Mexican oregano
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro (several sprigs)
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo (from a can, to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a skillet or casserole dish over medium heat and add a little olive oil.

2. 2

   Add the half onion and sauté for 2 minutes until it begins to soften.

3. 3

   Add the three cloves of minced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the two sliced jalapeños and cook for another 2 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the three chopped tomatoes and season with salt. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes release their juices and soften.

6. 6

   Add the two cans of sardines along with all the tomato purée from the cans.

7. 7

   Break up the sardines slightly with your spoon or spatula.

8. 8

   Add a pinch of dried Mexican oregano, several sprigs of fresh cilantro, and the chipotle peppers to your taste.

9. 9

   Stir everything together and let it simmer for 10 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

10. 10

    Serve hot as a main dish or as a filling for tacos or tostadas.

Notes

The recipe uses sardines canned in tomato sauce, which is common in Mexican markets. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chipotles and jalapeños.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• seafood
• mexican
• quick-meal
• spicy
• canned-sardines