Grilled Fresh Sardines with Fennel and Preserved Lemon

Ingredients for Grilled Fresh Sardines with Fennel and Preserved Lemon

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 medium fennel bupounds (sometimes labeled "anise"

• about 675g total), stalks discarded and bulb halved lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch-wide wedges

• 1/2 red onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (120ml )

• 20ml finely chopped rind (zest and white pith) from preserved lemon

• 1/4 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed

• 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

• 120ml water

• 12 fresh sardines (about 2 to 90g each), cleaned, leaving head and tail intact

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoons crushed fennel seeds

• 1/8 teaspoons black pepper

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill

• a well-seasoned ridged grill pan

How to make Grilled Fresh Sardines with Fennel and Preserved Lemon

Heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook fennel, onion, preserved lemon rind, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add water and braise, covered, stirring occasionally, until fennel is very tender and slightly caramelized and water is evaporated, about 10 minutes. Keep warm, covered.

Rinse sardines and pat dry, then spread out on a platter. Drizzle sardines with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with sea salt, fennel seeds, and pepper.

Heat grill pan over moderately high heat until hot. Oil grill pan and grill sardines, in 2 batches if necessary, turning over once, until just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes total per batch. Transfer as cooked to a clean platter with a slotted spatula.

Stir together lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Serve sardines on fennel mixture sprinkled with dill and drizzled with lemon dressing.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.