Bruschette with Herb Pesto and Grilled Sardines

Here is the recipe for preparing delicious bruschettas with herb pesto and grilled sardines, with an Italian twist. If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, I’m available to suggest some alternatives.

Ingredients

• Slices of homemade bread or baguette
• 200 g of fresh sardines, cleaned and filleted
• 1 bunch of fresh basil
• 1 clove of garlic
• Grated pecorino or parmesan cheese (depending on taste)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of pine nuts (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Other aromatic herbs to taste (for example, parsley or mint)

Preparation

1. Start by preparing the herb pesto: wash and dry the aromatic herbs you have chosen. In a mortar or mixer, combine the basil, other herbs, garlic, pecorino or parmesan, pine nuts (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Crush or blend all the ingredients, gradually adding olive oil until you reach the desired consistency for a pesto. If you like, you can also add a little lemon juice for freshness.
3. For the sardines, heat the grill or a very hot pan. Brush the sardines with a little oil and grill them for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden and slightly crispy.
4. Grill the bread on both sides until it is well-toasted.
5. Spread a layer of pesto on the still warm slices of bread and lay the grilled sardines on top.
6. Serve the bruschettas immediately, dressed with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and, if you wish, a pinch of salt and pepper.

Curiosity

Bruschetta is a traditional Italian appetizer that can be varied in a thousand ways. The addition of pesto gives it a rich and fresh taste, typical of Ligurian cuisine, while the grilled sardines recall the Mediterranean traditions of Southern Italy. The classic version of pesto is a cold sauce made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan (or pecorino), extra virgin olive oil, and salt, but it is always possible to adapt it by adding other aromatic herbs.