Sardine patties are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the rich flavors of sardines combined with the comforting taste of potatoes and spices. These patties are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. They are easy to prepare and packed with protein, making them a healthy choice for any meal. Follow this guide to create flavorful sardine patties that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1¼ lb potatoes (565g)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 5 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red chili, chopped
- 1 can sardines in tomato sauce (7 oz/198g)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp besan (chickpea flour)
- 1 cup brown rice crisps, finely crushed or processed (70g)
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
- Prepare and Cook Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and chopping them into pieces. Put them in a pot filled with salted water and heat until it boils. Let them cook until they are soft, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Sardine Mixture
- Sauté Onions and Chili: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red chili. Sauté the onions until they become soft and clear, which typically takes around 5 minutes.
- Add Sardines and Spices: Add the sardines in tomato sauce to the skillet, breaking them up with a spoon. Stir in the ground cumin and paprika. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and warmed up.
- Top of Form
- Bottom of Form
- Combine with Potatoes: Add the sardine mixture to the mashed potatoes. Combine all ingredients well by stirring. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Add Chickpea Flour: Stir in the besan (chickpea flour) to help bind the mixture. Should the mixture appear overly moist, sprinkle in some additional flour.
Form and Coat the Patties
- Shape Patties: Mold the mixture into patties using your hands, aiming for a diameter of 2-3 inches each.
- Coat with Rice Crisps: Place the finely crushed brown rice crisps in a shallow dish. Press each patty into the rice crisps, coating both sides evenly. This will give the patties a nice crispy exterior.
Cook the Patties
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Cook Patties: Carefully place the patties in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and achieve a crispy texture.
- Drain and Serve: Lift the patties out of the skillet and let them rest on paper towels to absorb any extra oil.
- Serve the patties warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad.
Conclusion
These flavorful sardine patties are a delightful and nutritious option for any meal. The combination of tender potatoes, savory sardines, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. The crispy coating of brown rice crisps adds a delightful texture that will make these patties a hit with everyone. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, and savor the rich flavors and healthy benefits of this easy-to-make recipe. Happy cooking!