Grilled Portuguese sardines

Portugal

Also known as Sardinhas Assadas

About Grilled Portuguese sardines

Grilled Portuguese Sardines, sardinhas assadas, are whole fresh sardines sprinkled with coarse salt and grilled over hot charcoal until the skin is crisp and blistered. They are a symbol of summer in Portugal.

The fish are grilled whole, usually ungutted, and served with boiled potatoes, a salad of tomatoes and peppers, olive oil and lemon. Traditionally, a sardine is eaten on a thick slice of bread that soaks up the juices.

In June, Lisbon's Festival of Santo António fills the old neighborhoods with the smoke of sardine grills, music and street parties. Sardines are at their best in summer, when they are plump and full of oil.

Ingredients

• Sardines
• olive oil
• salt
• lemon
• garlic
• parsley