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 ;)
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