Their sardines are fished in season in the local area when they are mature, and are then prepared by hand within 24 hours with the utmost respect for tradition. Their refined quality is the result of precise techniques passed down from one generation to the next. Inspired by the bright, aromatic flavours of North Africa, these sardines are gently cooked with preserved lemon and coriander. The result is fragrant and savoury, with a lifted citrus note and subtle warmth from the spices. Best served warmed through, where the sauce loosens and the flavours really open up, making for a comforting yet fresh dish.
Ingredients : Sardines (56%), water, rapeseed oil, fennel (5%), salt-preserved lemon (lemon, water, salt) (4%), ginger, lemon juice (1.7%), potato starch, coriander leaves (0.8%), garlic, salt, vegetable fibres (flax, citrus), yeast extract, spices.
4 WAYS TO HEAT THEM UP
Before opening, run the tin under hot water to make it easier to remove the contents without damage the sardines. Empty the contents into a frying pan, dish, bowl or pan depending on the method selected:
1. In a frying pan: 2 minutes on each side over low heat
2. In the oven: 7 minutes in a hot oven (180°C)
3. In the microwave: 1 minute at 500W
4. In a bain-marie: 8 minutes in a saucepan of simmering water (85°C)
4 IDEAS FOR COMBINING THEM
- With a pan-fried mix of seasonal vegetables:
Brown 250g of seasonal vegetables, chopped into small pieces, in a frying pan for 6 minutes. Add the sardines with the sauce and reheat for 2 minutes on each side. over low heat. It's ready!
- With roasted potatoes:
Slice 200g of potatoes into rounds, finely chop 2 or 3 spring onions, and brush with olive oil. Roast in a hot oven (180°C) for one twenty minutes. Add the sardines with the sauce and cook everything for another 7 minutes. Bon appétit!
- With semolina, couscous style:
Prepare 200g of semolina in a dish by pouring in 200ml of boiling salted water and a little olive oil. Cover and leave to swell for 5 minutes. Place the sardines with the sauce and reheat everything for 1 minute in the microwave at 500W. That's it! Ready!
- With rice or pasta:
Cook 250g of pasta or rice. At the same time, cook the sardines for 8 minutes in the double boiler in a saucepan of simmering water (85°C). Serve together and enjoy!
La Belle-Iloise are an iconic French producer, renowned for their beautiful tins and delicious produce. Since 1932 they have been producing tins of sardines from Quiberon, Brittany the home of French sardines. Now it is run by Caroline Hilliet, the granddaughter of founder, Georges Hilliet. We highly recommend a trip to one of their magnificent stores during any trip to France.
