To begin, you will need to gather some ingredients for the stuffing and sauce. For the stuffing, you will need sardines, garlic, shallot, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. For the sour sauce, you will need Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Additionally, you will need one zucchini, sliced into thin rounds.
To prepare the stuffing, begin by removing the heads and guts of the sardines, leaving the bones intact. Finely chop the garlic and shallot, and combine them with the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Spoon the mixture into each sardine, filling it until it is plump and full. Use a toothpick to hold the sardine closed.
Next, prepare the zucchini by slicing it into thin rounds and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Grill or sauté the zucchini until it is softened and lightly browned. Once the zucchini is cooked, place it in a baking dish and arrange the sardines on top, making sure they are evenly spaced.
To make the sour sauce, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
Pour the sauce over the sardines and zucchini, making sure each sardine is coated in the sauce. Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sardines are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
Once the dish is finished cooking, remove the toothpicks from the sardines and serve immediately. The sardines will be tender and juicy, while the zucchini will add a refreshing crunch. The sour sauce perfectly complements the flavors of the dish, adding a tangy kick that brings everything together.
In addition to being delicious, stuffed sardines with zucchini and sour sauce is also a healthy and nutritious meal. Sardines are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and can also help reduce inflammation in the body. Zucchini is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
In conclusion, stuffed sardines with zucchini and sour sauce is a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your dinner guests. It is easy to prepare, healthy, and delicious, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Try it out for your next dinner party, and see how it becomes a crowd favorite!