Algarve Sardines ("Escabeche Sardinhas")

Sardines are one of the main regional dishes of the Algarve. "Escabeche Sardinhas" is a simple method of cooking sardines which has been used for many generations in the Algarve.

Ingredients:
10 sardines
1 sliced onion
50g plain flour
3 bay leafs
3 cloves of chopped garlic
2 whole chillies (optional)
1 tablespoon of salt
5 tablespoons of olive oil

Clean the fish, removing the head, but leave the bone. Salt the fish, then lightly dust with the flour.

Fry the fish in 2 tablspoons of olive oil for about a minute then turn the fish and cook for another minute.

In a separate pan add the chopped onions, garlic, chillies (optional) and bay leafs with the rest of the olive oil and fry for cook for around 10-15 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the sauce.

To serve place the sardines on a serving plate and cover in the sauce. Can be served hot or cold, and is often served with boiled potatos.