The simple things in life are often the best. And simple food is good food and tasty too. After a long day or when you’re pressed for time, it’s good to know that you can always count on a tin of sardines as a quick and healthy dish. Not to mention delicious. Alone with rice, or as a complement/extra to other dishes for a proper meal. Especially when dressed with a few simple/fresh ingredients to liven it up and lift it from plain to something a little more fancy. I’m talking about the ones in tomato sauce (my favourite). Although, they’re also available in oil or spring water. And they’re such good value and can be found almost everywhere. They have a long shelf life so it’s wise to have a couple stocked in the cupboard for emergencies. That’s if you like sardines of course. Otherwise, you just might have to learn to love them.
I got the idea from my dad. Many years ago. I remember it being presented as a colourful/vibrant dish. Zesty and flavoursome. I loved it then and I love it now. It’s a good trick to know. And one full of happy/fond memories of home and enjoying a delicious meal with my dad/family. A tin of sardines in tomato sauce is delicious as is. However, it’s amazing what some fresh herbs can do. I like to add chopped/sliced chilies, shallot (or onion), coriander and/or spring onion. A thinly sliced clove of garlic and/or ginger will work a treat too. Likewise, pepper, a squeeze of lemon/lime and/or a light splash of fish/soy sauce. All of my favourites really or whatever I have on hand. But don’t overdo it because it’s already yummy as is. Enjoy it with hot/steamed rice as a quick meal. Or perhaps as a complement to a vegetable stir-fry and/or jeow.
Don’t underestimate the humble tin of sardines. It’s a force to be reckoned with. It’s a lifesaver. Like other cheap tinned/instant foods (or cheap things), it has potential to become something extraordinary. You just need to be creative and think outside the square. Necessity is the mother of invention. Fancy instant noodles anyone? Food doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Often, the cheap/simple stuff works just fine. And sometimes, even better. Work with what you’ve got. Give it much love and transform it into something awesome. Tinned sardines is not only cheap (65 cents!) and delicious, it’s also excellent for your health. Like other fatty fish, it’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12 and vitamin D. 1 Everything in moderation. Bon appetit/sern sap! smile
Cynthia and Pet
Oh my goodness Ngeun! We have never seen a tin of sardines look anywhere near as delicious as this… it looks so exotic, yummy and healthy.
We were just thinking of dinner and cannot be bothered going anywhere on this lazy Sunday to get food. We happen to have a couple of tins of trusty sardines in the cupboard… yes the tomato sauce ones (our favourite too) as well as most the ingredients that you have listed here.
What a great healthy Sunday night treat… Sardine salad! 🥗
Love it!! Going to give this one a go now! I doubt that ours will turn out looking as ravishingly inciting as your dish though. 😀
Thanks for such a humble lesson Ngeun. It reminds us of the wise story of the ugly duckling transforming into the beautiful Swan. Yes, it’s great to keep things simple and it’s amazing what can be achieved when the simple things are appreciated and brought to their full potential.
A beautiful post Ngeun.
We love you beautiful one!!!
Always.
Cynthia and Pet.
😇🐶❤️❤️🌈🌹💞
Ngeun
Thank you Cynthia and Pet for another beautiful comment. I’m certain your dish will turn out just fine. Perhaps you can try the pasta with sardines, chili and lemon too. Lots of love. <3 :)
David
Both of us love sardines – in pasta or simply on toasted bread! Love that you used them for this salad – the colors are truly beautiful and your choice of herbs is lovely! What a wonderful gift from your father!
Ngeun
Thanks David! We love tinned sardines; very affordable and versatile with subtle difference in taste between the makers. Both mum and dad are great cooks; will share more of their recipes soon. Best wishes. :)