Simple Baked Sardines in Olive Oil

Some days in the kitchen are better than others. If I were to hazard a guess why it probably has something to do with my co-ordination or lack thereof. For example, I'm less coordinated when I first wake up and because it is winter and I'm wearing layers and a super thick robe I tend to knock things off the kitchen counter. Still, it doesn't really improve as the day goes on and today when I made these sardines I managed to:

a) Get sardine guts and blood in my hair

b) Get mayonnaise on the window sill (quite an achievement no? ;))

c) Forget that the chillies that I bought were super hot and burn my fingers and lips

So whilst I'd like to tell you that everything is always hunky dory in the Elliott kitchen, it is sometimes bloody and messy. But please don't let my clumsiness put you off this recipe for preserving sardines. I was not a sardine fan until I had some really good tinned ones a few years ago. Then I started to seek them out on menus and at the markets.

Sardines are extraordinarily good for you - the fact that they're so high in Omega 3's means that the tasty little things don't last very long and they also should not be frozen. They're usually available all year round but have a peak in Australia during Winter when they are fished from Western Australia. That's why you may be seeing them a lot at markets lately.

Fresh sardines are usually sold whole and filleting them in a bloody process - literally. If you're squeamish that might put you off but really it isn't anything that awful, just don't wear your favourite all white outfit). If anything it gives me an appreciation for being able to buy cleaned fish.

Like anchovies, sardines can lend a briney, fishy depth of flavour to a dish. For those of you that hate sardines, this recipe may not sway you in the slightest but anchovy and strong flavour lovers will adore these. Curing, baking and then storing sardines in oil allows them to last for up to two weeks and makes a great substitute for tinned sardines that can be very expensive. I've been adding them to so many dishes and I'll share with you one of my favourite recipes with them soon!

Now if you'll excuse me, I've just got to wash the guts and blood out of my hair and wipe down the window...

So tell me Dear Reader, are you a messy or clean cook?

Simple Baked Sardines in Olive Oil

An Original Recipe by Not Quite Nigella

About 12 sardines (24 halves)

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Waiting time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

• 500g/1lb fresh sardines (about a dozen sardines)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more if you need it for storing)

Step 1 - Fillet the sardines. Discard any sardines with "belly burn" where the guts has exploded and come out of the sardine. The best way to fillet a sardine is to run your finger down the belly of the sardine and remove the intestines and guts. Then remove the head and the spine. Don't worry about any little bones as they are very soft and can be eaten.

Step 2 - Preheat oven to 180C/350F. Lay the sardines on a oven proof tray. Mix the salt and sugar together and sprinkle over the sardines. Allow to rest for 15 minutes. Then pour the olive oil over the sardines. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the flesh turns from pink to creamy. Place in sterilised jars* covered in the oil - add more oil into the container to cover the sardines if necessary.

*To sterilise jars, place oven proof jars and lids in a 180C/350F oven for 10 minutes.