Shtit’ha Sardines (Algerian Sardines in tomato sauce)

Algeria sits on the mediterranean sea with a 1200 kms of coast. The sea provides the best quality of fish for the region, such as shimps, tuna, redsnapper, calamari, octopus, dorada, swordfish, etc. Sardines is one of them. Algerians love sardines! (As it used to be the cheapest in price) Sardines are served, barbequed, fried with derssa (tomato garlic marinade), in a sauce, etc. Sardines bring Algerian groups and families together for a summer lunch!

Ingredients:

4 servings - Preparation and cook time: 45 minutes

2 lbs fresh and cleaned sardines

2 medium tomatoes

1 tbsp ground garlic

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp dry thyme (or fresh)

A handful chopped parsley

2 tbsp cooking oil

1 cup water (room temperature)

Salt to taste 

Step by Step Instructions:

1.     Rinse the fresh sardines under running water

2.     Remove all the scales until the sardines are soft and firm.

3.     Cut off the heads on a cutting board and remove the guts up until the tails starts.

4.     Remove the sardine’s spine gently along with the tail.

5.     Now you only have sardines’ filet.

6. Open flat each filet and put on top of another fillet, the inside of the filet facing each other. Repeat this operation until you finish all the sardines. Set aside.

7.     In a cooking pan over medium heat, combine the cooking oil, minced garlic, tomato puree, tomato paste, salt and spices, a cup of water and let simmer for 10 minutes.

8. Add the filets of sardine two by two into the sauce. Let the sardines over medium heat cook until soft and sauce reduced.

9.     Once the sardine are fully cooked and most of the water evaporates

8.     Turn off the heat

9.     Garnish with a handful of chopped parsley and let cool down

10.  Serve with bread of your choice.