If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dish to add to your repertoire, look no further than Greek stuffed sardines (‘Married’ sardines). This traditional Greek recipe takes a simple ingredient and gives it an upgrade with a delicious stuffing of onion, garlic, tomatoes, spices and herbs. The dish is quick and easy to make, yet packed with flavour.
‘Married’ Sardines
These stuffed sardines are also known as ‘Married’ sardines as they are paired or sandwiched with delicious filling in-between.
Serve as an appetiser (Meze) or entree alongside some crusty bread, a salad, and a glass of ouzo for the full Greek experience. Whether you’re looking for something new to try or just want to impress dinner guests, you can’t go wrong with Greek stuffed sardines.
Sardines
Health benefits
Sardines are a true culinary gem that offer an array of health benefits, making them a must have in any well-balanced diet.
Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health, reduce inflammation and support brain function. They are also a fantastic source of high-quality protein. Sardines boast essential vitamins and minerals including Vitamin D, calcium and selenium contributing to strong bones and a robust immune system.
Moreover, sardines, have a low mercury content which makes them a safer seafood option.
Versatility
Their small size makes them ideal for appetisers or ‘meze’, tapas or as a secret ingredient that adds depth to sauces and stews.
These tiny fish are packed with flavour and adaptability. Sardines star in a wide range of dishes, from Mediterranean classics like grilled sardines with lemon to Asian sushi dishes.
They can be smoked for rich, smokey note in pasta dishes or mashed into a flavoursome pate for spreading on bread or crackers.
Sardines can add a delightful depth to umami salads.
Sardines, whether pan-fried, grilled or baked are ready to elevate any cuisine with their versatility and delectable taste.
Fresh versus marinated sardines
This Greek stuffed sardine ( ‘Married’ sardine ) dish calls for fresh and not marinated sardines. Fresh sardines have a fresh oceanic taste complementing any side ingredients.
On the other hand, marinated sardines, whether in olive oil or zesty citrus provide a burst of complex flavours. Marianted sardines will simply overpower the simple yet delicious tomato filling.
Sardine stuffing ingredients
Preparing Greek stuffed Sardines (‘Married’ sardines)
Cleaning and deboning
Cleaning and deboning any dish may sound daunting. It may take some practice, but with patience, practice and my step-by-step guide you will be an expert deboning sardines in no time.
- Start by gently rinsing sardines under cold water to remove impurities.
- Hold the sardines firmly by the tail, and using your knife, make a small cut under the gills and remove the head.
- Place the sardines flat on an oiled cutting wood cutting board, belly side up. Then, using a sharp knife, make a small incision along the belly, from tail to head and carefully remove the entrails.
- Rinse the sardines.
- Gently open the sardines like a book using your thumbs, exposing the inner cavity. You will see the backbones and any remaining entrails.
- With your fingers or fish pliers, carefully lift the backbone from the tail end, gently pulling it away from the flesh. Be careful not to tear the sardines in the process.
- Give the deboned sardines a final rinse under cold water to remove any loose bones and pat dry with paper towel.
Sardine stuffing
The perfect sardine stuffing starts with the freshest and most often the simplest of ingredients. Begin with a medley of diced tomatoes for a burst of acidity, finely chopped onions and garlic to infuse depth, and vibrant bell peppers to offer subtle sweetness.
Continue with parsley and dill to add aroma and flavour and finish with seasoning. Salt and ground black pepper harmonise the ingredients whilst a splash of olive oil binds everything together.
Baking sardines
Lay sardines flat on a baking dish and fill each one with tomato filling.Lay another sardine on top of the filling , ie like making a sandwich.
Greek stuffed sardines ( ‘Married sardines) serving suggestions
This dish is served as ‘Meze’, ie as a starter alongside with a glass of ouzo. It also goes very well with greek flatbread, aka pita bread, crusty bread and of course a Greek Horiatiki salad.
Serve this delectable Meze with lemon wedges and enjoy!
Leftover tomato filling
Repurpose leftover juicy tomato filling and enjoy flavoursome dishes minimising food waste.
- One fantastic option is to use it as a flavourful pasta sauce. Simply toss over cooked pasta.
- You can also use this juicy tomato filling as a pizza topping.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months and use later.
Other Taverna recipes you will love
- Greek Feta wrapped in phyllo
- Greek saganaki recipe ( Greek pan fried cheese)
- Greek gemista (Gemista) with rice and mince meat
- Greek pork souvlaki skewers with pita bread recipe
- Greek chicken souvlaki skewers with pita bread
- Spinach leek and Feta pie
- Greek Feta cheese pie ( Tiropita) with phyllo
- Greek pastitsio recipe (Greek baked pasta with béchamel sauce)
