Crostone with butter and sardines

The crostone with butter and sardines is a simple yet flavorful appetizer. Here’s how to prepare it.

Ingredients

• Slices of homemade bread or country bread
• Oil-packed sardines
• Butter at room temperature
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Chopped parsley (optional)
• Black pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by toasting the bread slices. This can be done using a toaster, a grill, or in the oven. The bread should become crispy and golden.
2. In the meantime, drain the oil-packed sardines well. If you wish to add a touch of freshness, you can lightly sprinkle them with lemon juice.
3. Spread a generous amount of butter on the still warm bread, so that it melts slightly. The heat from the bread will help the butter melt and release its aroma better.
4. Gently lay the sardines on the bed of butter.
5. If you like, add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper and some chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
6. Serve the crostoni hot or at room temperature.

A little curiosity: sardines have long been considered a poor man’s food, but today they are revalued for their nutritional properties, particularly their high omega-3 content. In this recipe, the simplicity of the ingredients comes together to create an appetizer that combines rustic flavors and the Mare Nostrum.