Sarde a Beccafico (Stuffed Sardines)

Holding a freshly caught handful of sardines

Sarde a Beccafico (Stuffed Sardines)

By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis

Sarde a Beccafico is a classic Sicilian dish that perfectly combines the flavors of the sea with sweet and savory stuffing. The sardines are filleted, stuffed with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and herbs, then rolled and baked to perfection. It’s a dish that reflects the rich culinary traditions of Sicily, where seafood, fruits, and nuts come together in delightful harmony.

History of Sarde a Beccafico

The dish "Sarde a Beccafico" has its roots in Sicily, where the use of sardines, a local fish, has been widespread for centuries. The name "Beccafico" literally translates to "fig pecker," and it is believed to refer to a dish originally made with small birds, often fig-pecking birds, that were stuffed in a similar manner. Over time, as sardines became more common and accessible, they replaced the birds in the dish, retaining the same stuffing technique. Today, Sarde a Beccafico is a beloved part of Sicilian cuisine, often prepared during special occasions and festivals, especially around the feast days of patron saints.

Sarde a Beccafico Recipe

Serves: 4Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 8-10 fresh sardines, cleaned and filleted

• 100 g breadcrumbs

• 50 g pine nuts

• 50 g raisins

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1/4 cup dry white wine

• Lemon wedges, for garnish

  
  

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sardines

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Clean and fillet the sardines. You should have one fillet for each sardine, with the skin left on. If you’re unfamiliar with filleting fish, you can ask your fishmonger to do it for you.

Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, garlic, parsley, basil, and lemon zest.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture, then season with salt and pepper. Mix until the stuffing is well combined. The stuffing should be moist but not overly wet. If it's too dry, you can add a little more olive oil.

Step 3: Stuff the Sardines

1. Lay the sardine fillets flat on a work surface, skin-side down.

2. Place a generous spoonful of the stuffing in the center of each fillet. Roll each fillet up tightly to form a small cylinder with the stuffing inside. Secure the ends with a toothpick.

Step 4: Arrange the Sardines for Baking

1. Place the stuffed sardines in a baking dish, seam-side down.

2. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the sardines and sprinkle them with brown sugar.

3. Pour the white wine vinegar and dry white wine into the baking dish, making sure the liquid covers the bottom of the dish.

Step 5: Bake the Sardines

1. Bake the stuffed sardines in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the stuffing is golden and crisp.

2. Check halfway through cooking to ensure the fish isn’t drying out, and add a little more wine or olive oil if necessary.

Step 6: Serve

1. Once the sardines are done, remove them from the oven and discard any toothpicks.

2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Chef’s Tip by Gianluca Deiana Abis

The stuffing for Sarde a Beccafico is versatile. Feel free to add other ingredients like toasted almonds, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, or even a dash of cinnamon for an extra Sicilian touch. The sweetness of the raisins and the slight acidity from the vinegar balance the richness of the sardines, giving the dish its distinct flavor profile. For an added depth of flavor, let the sardines marinate in the stuffing for an hour before baking.

Why You’ll Love Sarde a Beccafico

Sarde a Beccafico is a beautifully balanced dish that brings together the sweet, savory, and tangy elements of Sicilian cuisine. The stuffing adds a delightful contrast to the natural flavors of the sardines, while the baking process enhances the dish's richness. It’s an impressive and elegant dish that can be served as a starter or main course for special occasions, or simply as a treat to enjoy the taste of Sicily. Whether you're a seafood lover or a fan of Mediterranean flavors, this dish will transport you to the coastal beauty of Sicily with every bite.