Sardella Swirls

Sardella swirls are a delightful snack that combines the unique taste of sardella, a spreadable cream made from blue fish typical of Calabria, with the softness of sandwich bread or puff pastry. Here is how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• Sandwich bread or rectangular puff pastry
• Sardella to taste
• Pitted black olives (optional)
• Salted capers (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Grated cheese like pecorino, if desired

Preparation

1. If you’re using puff pastry, preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F) and unroll the puff pastry on your work surface.
2. Spread a uniform layer of sardella on the surface of the sandwich bread or puff pastry. The amount depends on personal taste; sardella has a strong flavor, so adjust the quantity according to your preference.
3. If you wish, add black olives cut into rings and desalinated, chopped capers.
4. Carefully roll up the sandwich bread or puff pastry on itself, forming a tightly wound roll. To keep the swirls compact, you can slightly moisten the final edge to seal it.
5. If you’re using puff pastry, brush the roll with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with grated cheese.
6. Cut the roll into slices about 1-2 cm thick and arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
7. If you are working with puff pastry, bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the swirls turn golden and crispy.
8. If you’re using sandwich bread, you can serve them directly or slightly toast them in the oven or a non-stick pan for a crunchy touch.

Fun Facts

Sardella is a very particular condiment, often also called “poor man’s caviar” for its rich and decisive flavor. It is made with newborns of the European anchovy or pilchard, mixed with salt and chili pepper, and can be used to dress pasta or as a spread on croutons and bruschettas.