21.6.06

In praise of Sardines


This is all because of Brett, who did such a nice piece about me on his blog In praise of sardines. I´m still blushing slightly. Thank you very much, Brett.

I´ve been wanting to make a sardine related post ever since, but it hasn´t been easy. Every time I go to the market I stop at the fishmonger, and look over the fish. And the sardines look beautiful and glossy, and I know the season is beginning. And they´re cheap and plentiful and full of all manner of things that are good for me. But for all that, I usually fall for the red tuna. Or the mackerel. Or the cod, or the salmon, even.

The fact is , as far as I´m concerned, sardines are outdoor food. I need a lot of fresh air t, and if possible, a beach and a sea breeze.

And so, even though the possibility of an emapanada made with raw sardines that cook inside the pastry intrigues me, I´ve resorted to that old standby, the sardine tin. The greatest convenience food of Spain, beloved of bachelors and boy scouts. And very delicious, too, with a little oil and vinegar drizzled over, on a tomato salad, or pretty much anywhere.

And lately I´ve discovered this sardine paste. It makes a great dip, and I adore it on very dark rye bread sandwiches, with thinly sliced cucumber.
It´s from Trish Deseine´s "Celebrating with friends" , and there aren´t any specific quantities, really. Just indications.

Take the sardines out of the tin. Drain off the oil, more or less. Add lemon juice and zest, cayenne or tabasco, black pepper, and a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese. Mash it with a fork. There you are.

9 comentarios:

Anónimo dijo...

I saw that piece on Brett's blog, and especially because I'd already been reading Lobstersquad and it had become one of my favourites, felt really happy!

LE BLOG dijo...

Cómo es la lata circular de sardinas! Es chulísima!

Anónimo dijo...

It's completely understandable why he adores your blog ... as we all do.

What a tribute!

Anónimo dijo...

i discovered sardine pate in croatia
it is fab-u-lous!
i keep meaning to make it at home, i even have a tine of the most beautiful sardines in my larder for that very purpose, but i just haven't found the special moment it seems to call for....

Jen dijo...

oh I love Sardines! I always have a can of Ligo in my pantry just in case I get a sudden urge for them. I like to make escabeche with fresh ones too.

Love your drawings!

Loney Kitchen dijo...

This is my first time to view your blog and I really love it! Your illustrations are so nice and happy.Ligo sardines is one of the more popular brand of sardines here.This is one site I'll be viewing daily.

lobstersquad dijo...

Hi there. Thanks everyone, for visiting and for everything.
Jenjen and Loney kitchen: I didn´t know Ligo was a big brand. I bought it in a tiny shop here in Madrid that has stuff from the Philippines because it looked so exotic. Our own tins are the flat sort, I´d never seen one like that. I really like it.

Anónimo dijo...

Hi Ximena! Thank you for dedicating this post to me. Now it's my turn to blush. Looks like you're building up quite a base of fans! Excellent drawing as always. I can't wait to try your sardine spread.

Anónimo dijo...

That's so funny that you drew a can of Ligo! I love that stuff, especially the one with chilli sauce. Your blog is really unique and I love seeing all your illustrations! Keep up the great work!

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