Stuffed Peppers With Sardines and Anchovies

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Not a sardine enthusiast? This Stuffed Peppers with Sardines recipe could sway you. Packed with smoky, briny sardine goodness, it’s a flavorful twist. The unexpected harmony of sardines with peppers showcases their benefits, making you crave seconds. Dive into the world of delightful canned sardine recipes – this one might just win you over.

Enter my Sardine Story: Childhood memories of Dad and his go-to, canned sardines – a quick, satisfying fix for late-night hunger or a speedy lunch. Wondering how to eat sardines? Dad’s way: plate, onions, lemon juice, warm pita, and juicy tomatoes. A refreshing sardine salad was a hit, too. Now, hubby echoes the sentiment, touting the goodness of sardines with their rich omega-3 content. A running joke: the men in my life and their unwavering love for sardines!

I decided to surprise my husband with this Peppers Stuffed with Sardines dish from the vast array of sardines brands available, and let’s just say it was a hit! The bonus was the leftover sardine stuffing I turned into a mouth-watering sandwich the next day – simply delectable!

Sardines and Anchovies Recipe Ingredients

  • Ten Small Sweet Pepper Banana Peppers (or your choice): Bring a sweet and mildly tangy flavor, providing a colorful and vibrant base.
  • Half Can Anchovies: Infuse a deep, savory, and salty note, contributing to the umami profile of the dish.
  • One Can Sardines: Packed with rich, savory goodness, sardines add a briny and umami depth to the mix.
  • Capers: Introduce a briny and slightly tangy note, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
  • Small Shallot (Chopped): Offers a mild onion flavor, providing a savory and aromatic element.
  • Lemon Zest and Juiced: Provide a zesty and citrusy kick, brightening up the flavors of the sardines mix.
  • Sherry Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang, balancing the richness of the sardines and anchovies.
  • Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy and rich texture, balancing the bold flavors of anchovies.
  • Roughly Chopped Italian Parsley or Cilantro: Adds a fresh and herbaceous element, providing a burst of flavor.
  • Diced Jalapeno (Optional): For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the diced jalapeno adds a spicy kick to the anchovies mix.
  • Toasted Bread Baguette or Sourdough (Torn, Cut into Tiny Pieces): Offers a crunchy and textured component, perfect for scooping up the sardines and anchovies mix.
  • Black Pepper and Smoked Paprika: Season to taste. These spices add depth and a smoky note to complete the dish.

 

Marinating Your Sardine Stuffing

Anchovies? Absolutely! Their savory saltness is a delightful addition to our Sardine-Stuffed Peppers, perfectly balancing the stuffing and sherry vinegar flavors. However, the choice is yours. Include as many or as few as you prefer, or omit them if they’re not to your taste.

After combining the sardines and other ingredients, allow the mixture to marinate for about 30 minutes. This essential step lets the breadcrumbs soak up the flavorful fish oils, and during the marination, the diverse flavors meld together, resulting in an exquisitely tasty filling for your peppers.

Serving Suggestion for Sardine-Stuffed Peppers

Are you pondering when and what to serve these delightful Stuffed Peppers with? These versatile treats excel as a snack, a unique part of a brunch spread, or a tantalizing appetizer sure to spark conversation. Their unique, robust flavors pair exquisitely with a range of dishes.

If you want an authentic Mediterranean experience, consider accompanying your stuffed peppers with Sicilian cassia bread. Its crispy texture and light, airy interior perfectly complement the peppers. Or, for a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors, serve alongside a tomato panzanella salad or bruschetta. These combinations balance the rich, smoky notes of the stuffed peppers with a refreshing contrast, elevating your culinary experience to new heights.

Whether hosting a casual get-together, brunch, or simply enjoying a snack on a lazy afternoon, these Sardine-Stuffed Peppers promise a flavorful adventure your guests – or you – will love.

Exploring Variations and Personal Touches:

  • Although this recipe calls for sardines and anchovies, feel free to experiment with your preferred type of canned fish. Tuna or salmon can be a delightful substitute, offering a different but equally enticing flavor profile.
  • If you’re up for a vegetarian version, consider substituting the fish with a blend of finely chopped mushrooms, olives, and feta cheese. The mixture will still deliver a rich, umami-packed bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet peppers.
  • Additionally, the choice of herbs can significantly impact the dish’s flavor. While Italian parsley or cilantro is suggested in this recipe, you might try adding fresh dill or mint for a unique twist.
  • Lastly, if you taste heat, don’t hesitate to up the ante with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes in your stuffing mixture. As with any recipe, the key is to make it your own and have fun!
How to Make Stuffed Peppers With Sardines and Anchovies

Preparation

1.
Set your oven's broiler to low heat.
Slice your chosen peppers lengthwise, and remove any pith and seeds.
Arrange your sliced peppers on a baking sheet. Lightly drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Position the peppers about 10 inches from the broiler and let them broil for 3 minutes.
Turn the peppers over and broil for another 3 minutes.
After broiling, remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.
Mark as complete
2.
In a mixing bowl, add the sardines and anchovies, breaking the fish into smaller pieces with a fork.
Mark as complete
3.
Add in the rest of the ingredients: capers, finely chopped shallot, lemon zest and juice, sherry vinegar, mayonnaise, roughly chopped parsley or cilantro, diced jalapeno (if using), toasted bread pieces, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix everything well to combine.
Mark as complete
4.
Once your pepper halves have cooled, scoop a teaspoon of the sardine mixture into each one, shaping the stuffing to fit the contours of the pepper.
Mark as complete
5.
For final touches, sprinkle your stuffed peppers with some more parsley and serve them with additional lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your sardine-stuffed peppers!
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
10 small sweet pepper banana peppers or your choice
1 can sardines
1 can anchovies
1 tablespoon capers
1 small shallot (chopped small)
1 lemon zest and juiced
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons roughly chopped Italian parsley or cilantro
1 tablespoon diced jalapeno (optional)
¼ cup toasted bread baguette or sourdough torn into tiny pieces
teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Preparation

1
Set your oven's broiler to low heat. Slice your chosen peppers lengthwise, and remove any pith and seeds. Arrange your sliced peppers on a baking sheet. Lightly drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Position the peppers about 10 inches from the broiler and let them broil for 3 minutes. Turn the peppers over and broil for another 3 minutes. After broiling, remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.
2
In a mixing bowl, add the sardines and anchovies, breaking the fish into smaller pieces with a fork.
3
Add in the rest of the ingredients: capers, finely chopped shallot, lemon zest and juice, sherry vinegar, mayonnaise, roughly chopped parsley or cilantro, diced jalapeno (if using), toasted bread pieces, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix everything well to combine.
4
Once your pepper halves have cooled, scoop a teaspoon of the sardine mixture into each one, shaping the stuffing to fit the contours of the pepper.
5
For final touches, sprinkle your stuffed peppers with some more parsley and serve them with additional lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your sardine-stuffed peppers!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

Don't let any leftover sardine stuffing go to waste! Use it to whip up an incredibly tasty sandwich. Just toast your favorite bread, butter each slice, and add a handful of arugula. Top it with a few of the cooked, sardine-stuffed peppers and a heaping scoop of the remaining sardine stuffing. Sandwich it all together, slice in half, and you've got yourself a delightful, flavor-packed sandwich. It's a delicious way to make the most out of this recipe!

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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