Sardines "a-beccafico" in Catania (Sarde a beccafico catanisi)

4 servings

60 minutes

Sardines 'a-becchaficu' in the Catanese style is a delightful dish of Sicilian cuisine inspired by the traditions of the poor who sought to recreate the exquisite dishes of the nobility. Its name refers to small birds 'becchaficu' that were once stuffed and baked. In this recipe, sardines are filled with a fragrant stuffing of breadcrumbs, pecorino cheese, garlic, and herbs, giving them a rich flavor with hints of spiciness. The tender fish fillet contrasts with the crispy crust, while the light acidity of the marinade makes the dish even more refined. These sardines are perfect for both hot and cold consumption, and their appetizing appearance makes them a wonderful appetizer on a festive table. This is a symbol of simple yet genius Italian gastronomy where humble ingredients transform into a true culinary masterpiece.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 825.1
• Proteins: 72.4g
• Fats: 41.2g
• Carbohydrates: 40.7g

Ingredients

• Sardines: 1 kg
• Breadcrumbs: 100 g
• Grated pecorino cheese: 100 g
• Garlic: 2 clove
• Parsley: to taste
• Chicken egg: 5 pc
• Wheat flour: 100 g
• Olive oil: to taste
• White wine vinegar: 3 tbsp
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Medium-sized sardines need to be cleaned of heads, entrails, and bones, leaving only the tail!

   Required ingredients:

   • Sardines: 1 kg

2. Carefully open the fillet, trying to keep the whole body intact.

3. Thoroughly rinse and place in vinegar for marinating.

   Required ingredients:

   • White wine vinegar: 3 tablespoons

4. Prepare the filling: lightly toast the breadcrumbs in olive oil until just golden.

   Required ingredients:

   • Olive oil:  to taste
   • Breadcrumbs: 100 g

5. Mix breadcrumbs, grated pecorino cheese, minced garlic, and parsley.

   Required ingredients:

   • Breadcrumbs: 100 g
   • Grated pecorino cheese: 100 g
   • Garlic: 2 cloves
   • Parsley:  to taste

6. Beat 3 (three!) eggs for the filling, add salt and pepper, then mix into the main mass. Stir the filling well.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 5 piece
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste

7. Form 'cutlets', each wrapped in two sardines: place the mixture on one opened sardine, cover with the second, and compress by squeezing between palms.

8. These 'sardine cutlets with tails' should be dipped first in 2 eggs, then in flour, and fried in oil until cooked.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 5 piece
   • Wheat flour: 100 g
   • Olive oil:  to taste

9. The dish can be eaten hot or cold. Pickled sautéed onions can be used as a garnish.

10. 'Sarde a beccafico' is considered a second course, but it also works wonderfully as an appetizer.