Got Canned Sardines? Make these Sardine Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

By Spain on a Fork · 30 min

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Drain the sardines through a fine sieve over a bowl, shaking off excess oil. Put the sardines in a large bowl and break them into small chunks with a wooden spoon.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, grated garlic and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper, mix, then press down on the mixture until it forms a paste-like texture.
3. Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, squeezing each one in your hands to bind it. If it is too dry, add some beaten egg; if too wet, add more breadcrumbs.
4. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the reserved sardine oil.
5. After a couple of minutes, add the meatballs in a single layer and fry 8 to 10 minutes, until golden all around. Remove and set aside.
6. In the same pan over the same heat, add the chopped garlic and stir constantly. After 30 to 45 seconds, add the sweet and hot smoked paprika and stir quickly. Add the tomato sauce, season with salt and black pepper, and simmer for a few minutes.
7. After 5 minutes, once the sauce has slightly thickened, return the meatballs to the pan in a single layer, turn them to coat in sauce, and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
8. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish, top with the meatballs and sprinkle with parsley.

Summarized from Spain on a Fork's video. Watch it for the details.

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GarlicOnionEggBreadcrumbTomato sauce