top Baked Sardines on a Bed of Rice

Ingredients:

• 12-15 fresh sardines, cleaned and gutted
• 250g long-grain rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 chili pepper (optional)
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Spices: paprika, cumin, saffron
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice: Cook the rice halfway in salted water and drain it.
2. Make the seasoning: In a pan with olive oil, sauté the onion until golden. Add paprika, cumin, and a pinch of saffron, stirring well. Mix in the half-cooked rice and let it absorb the flavors for a few minutes.
3. Prepare the sardines: Season the sardines with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
4. Assemble the dish: In a baking dish, spread the seasoned rice as a base. Arrange the sardines in a circle on top of the rice, alternating with tomato wedges and placing a lemon slice in the center. Add a chili pepper for a spicy kick if desired.
5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, until the sardines are cooked through and the rice has absorbed all the flavors.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the dish hot with an extra squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

Tip: You can customize the dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or by substituting the rice with couscous or quinoa for a lighter version.