Ingredients:
– 500g fresh sardines
– 2 medium onions
– 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 2 tablespoons raisins
– 2 tablespoons pine nuts
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Clean the sardines by removing the heads and guts, and rinse them under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and lightly season with salt and pepper.
2. Coat the sardines in flour, shaking off any excess flour.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sardines and fry them until golden brown on both sides. Remove the sardines from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent. Add the raisins, pine nuts, and sugar, and continue cooking until the sugar has dissolved.
5. Add the white wine vinegar and white wine to the skillet, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
6. Add the fried sardines to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and let the sardines absorb the flavors of the sauce for 10-15 minutes on low heat.
7. Once the sardines have soaked up the flavors, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the saor sardines warm or at room temperature with crusty bread and a glass of white wine.
Tips:
– When purchasing fresh sardines, look for firm, shiny fish with clear eyes and a fresh scent.
– If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
– The sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the sauce before adding the sardines.
– For a vegetarian version, omit the sardines and add boiled potatoes to the sauce instead.
Saor sardines are the perfect dish to prepare when you’re short on time but still want a flavorful and satisfying meal. This simple recipe packs a punch with the combination of tangy vinegar, sweet raisins, and nutty pine nuts. Give this traditional Italian dish a try and enjoy a taste of Venice from the comfort of your own home.