Sarde a Beccafico is a traditional Sicilian dish featuring fresh sardines stuffed with a savory-sweet filling of breadcrumbs, raisins, pine nuts, and herbs. Rolled up and baked to perfection, these flavorful sardine rolls are a testament to Sicily’s rich culinary heritage, blending the region’s love for seafood with influences from Arab and Mediterranean cuisines. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe is an explosion of flavor and history on a plate.
Ingredients:
For the sardines:
- 500g fresh sardines, cleaned and filleted
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup raisins (soaked in warm water and drained)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the dish:
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions:
- Prepare the filling:
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, raisins, pine nuts, parsley, grated cheese, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed and form a moist, crumbly texture.
- Stuff and roll the sardines:
- Lay each sardine fillet flat, skin-side down. Place a small spoonful of the breadcrumb mixture on one end of the fillet. Roll the fillet from the filled end to form a tight roll. Repeat with all the sardines.
- Assemble the dish:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the sardine rolls upright in a baking dish, snugly fitting them together. Insert bay leaves between the rolls for added aroma.
- Add the finishing touches:
- In a small bowl, mix orange juice, olive oil, and sugar (if using). Drizzle the mixture over the sardines, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sardines are cooked through and slightly golden on top.
- Serve:
- Allow the sardines to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges for squeezing over the rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Sarde a Beccafico is a delightful combination of rich, nutty flavors and the briny freshness of sardines. Whether served as a starter or alongside a crisp salad and bread, this dish captures the essence of Sicilian cuisine in every bite.
