The return of tinned sardines: why this little fish has everything going for it
Long tucked away in the cupboard "in case of emergency", tinned sardines are slowly but surely making a comeback. And with good reason: they combine everything we love about everyday cooking. They're tasty, practical and good for your health... and your wallet.
So why not give them a real place on our plates? Here's everything you'll gain by opening a can of sardines, and above all, how to twist them to love them even more! :)
A concentrate of nutrients
So small, but so rich :) Canned sardines are a nutritional powerhouse:
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the heart and soothe inflammation.
- Full of complete proteins, ideal for calming the body without weighing it down
- Natural source of vitamin D, calcium (especially if you eat the bones) and B12
- Also contains selenium, iron and phosphorus
It's as if this little fish had ticked all the right nutritional boxes!
An ally of the anti-gaspi and the well-stocked cupboard
What we love about tinned sardines is their longevity. There's no need to stash them in the fridge: they'll keep for several years without moving. And the older they get (in the tin), the more melt-in-the-mouth they become.
Handy for an impromptu meal or a lazy dinner party. No need to open a cookery book: a tin, a loaf of bread, a squeeze of lemon and you're all set.
A more sustainable choice
As far as the environment is concerned, the sardine also has a few arguments in its favor:
- They are caught in compact schools, which limits their impact on ecosystems.
- It's at the bottom of the food chain: less heavy metals than large fish like tuna or salmon.
- And it can be cooked whole, so there's zero waste.
A more respectful choice, without sacrificing pleasure.
What do we do with them, apart from eat them on bread?
You can't just put them on a slice of toast (even though they taste great that way). Here are a few simple ideas for cooking sardines without breaking the bank:
- Crushed with a fork and a little mustard, lemon, capers and fresh herbs → an express spread to die for
- Tossed into hot pasta with a drizzle of olive oil, a little chilli pepper and candied tomatoes
- Added to a mixed salad (potatoes, green beans, hard-boiled eggs)
- Slip into a quiche or pie with seasonal vegetables
- As a topping for homemade pizza with onions, olives and thyme
They can be adapted to anything, even Sunday evening dishes that lack a little inspiration.
In short: don't underestimate sardines!
Canned sardines are a little treasure we all (or almost all) have at home. It ticks all the boxes: health, budget, ecology, taste. And what's more, it's a lifesaver when your fridge is in a slump.
So if you've forgotten about it, or put it in the back of your cupboard, now's the time to give it back its rightful place in your kitchen ;)
You may be interested in:
How to clean fish? A Complete Guide for BeginnersCleaning fish can seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and a little practice, you can prepare delicious fish-based dishes at home. In this article, we'll guide you step by step through the whole process, from choosing the fish to removing the scales and entrails.
A perfect grilled fish? 6 keys to achieve itHealthy, tasty and a very immediate dish. Grilled fish is a great option if we do not have much time to cook but we still want to take care of our body and health. However, it can often turn out to be a tasteless fish, with a chewy, dry or crumbly texture.... That is because we do not treat the piece correctly before and during cooking....
Adèle Peyches
Comments