THE STAPLE

THE STAPLE

SARDINES

Canned sardines are packed to the gills with goodness. The tiny nutritional powerhouses contain essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. But an even bigger lure? Their rich flavor helps you create great meals in minutes. (No worries, you can eat the bones!) Buy whole fillets packed in extra-virgin olive oil for the most delicious tinned fish.

Recipes by Kay Chun Photograph by Aaron Dyer

REAL SIMPLE’S FAVORITE BRANDS

Wild Planet, Crown Prince, and Bela tie for taste and texture.

3 QUICK IDEAS

Sardine spaghetti

HANDS-ON TIME 15 MINUTES TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4

Cook 3/4 cup panko in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring, until golden. Transfer to a bowl; stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill. Cook 3 each anchovies and sliced garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat, stirring, until fragrant. Toss in the sardines from 2 (41/4-ounce) cans, 12 ounces cooked spaghetti, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and salt and black pepper. Top with the panko.

Sardine banh mi

Spread the bottom half of a hoagie roll with liverwurst and the top half with mayonnaise. Sandwich with sardines, lime juice, sliced sour pickles and fresh hot chilies, shredded carrots, and cilantro, basil, and mint.

Sardine rye toast

Mix equal parts salted butter and chopped scallions. Spread on rye toast. Top with sardines, sliced radishes and scallions, lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper.

FISHING FOR MORE IDEAS? Discover other seafood staples at realsimple.com/cannedfish.