Sardines in Escabeche

loof's Note:

This flavorful appetizer uses fresh (or frozen) sardines. Found at lovetoknowcooking.com...

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 16 sardines (fresh or frozen)
• 1 lb seasoned flour (flour mixed with salt and pepper. Use white pepper if you have it)
• 8 tablespoons olive oil (more might be needed)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 dried chili, chopped large (Anaheim or Ancho work well)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup sherry wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup white wine
• salt and pepper
• 1 large red onion, sliced into wedges
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

Directions:

1. Prepare the fresh or frozen sardines as follows: Cut the heads off the sardines. Split each sardine along the belly and clean them if needed. Turn them over so the backbone is on top. Press down along the backbone to loosen it and carefully remove it from the fish. Remove any other bones that you find.
2. Dust the sardines with the seasoned flour.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan. Fry the sardines 3-4 minutes each side. Remove the sardines from the oil and let cool on a plate.
4. Place the fish in a single layer in a baking pan.
5. Add 6 tablespoons of oil to the oil in the frying pan. Cook the onions over a low heat until soft. Add the garlic and cook for a minute.
6. Add the bay leaves, cloves, chili pepper, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Fry for two or three minutes.
7. Add the vinegar and wine. Bring to a boil, then pour over sardines. Let cool and then cover. Refrigerate overnight.
8. Before serving the sardines, place the red onion, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes on a cookie sheet and roast in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes.
9. Place the sardines two to a plate. Garnish with the roasted vegetables.