Home to the majestic sardine run, residents In KZN are always in for a treat. Delight in this special choice of seafood wildly found even in the most remote parts of the province. Cheaper than most other fish options, the sardine is a local favourite. Add in a few spices and deep fry for the best results! If you’re looking to diversify your sardine recipes then look no further.
Kamini’s Crisp Chilli Bite Sardine Sandwiches
This recipe serves 2.
You will need
- A small pot for deep frying
- vegetable oil for deep frying
- 2 fresh sardines, gutted and scaled
- 4 tablespoons of regular flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup ready-made chilli bite mix
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- A medium lemon, cut in half
- A handful of fresh coriander leaf, chopped
- Maldon salt flakes (you can use any salt flakes of your choice if you don’t have Maldon) and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons ready-made aioli or good-quality mayonnaise
- 4 slices of fresh sour dough bread
Instructions
- Heat the oil to 180°C in a small pot.
- In 3 bowls: pour the flour into the first bowl, beat both eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper in the second bowl, and mix the panko breadcrumbs and chilli bite mix together in the third bowl.
- Dip the skin of the cleaned sardines into the bowl with the flour first – make sure you coat both sides, then dip both sides of the sardines into the egg mixture in the second bowl, and then coat the sardines with the chilli bite and panko crumb mixture in the third bowl.
- Fry your sardines in the heated oil for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Once the sardines are cooked, transfer them onto a plate with paper towel to allow the excess oil to drain.
- Season the cooked sardines with salt flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Spread the mayonnaise or aioli onto the slices of sourdough bread.
- Place the cooked sardines onto the bread, sprinkle with chopped coriander leaf and enjoy.
South Africa boasts several strong cultures and heritages which make up a huge part of our history. On the 24th of September, we celebrate these cultures on a day known as Heritage Day. Celebrating these strong cultures, it is also a day that celebrates South Africa’s deep love to braai! Lamb chops, a lekker baked beans salad and the famous, proudly South African boerewors are the prime choices for this day!
Today we have put together a simple guide to get you started with a proudly South African choice: the ultimate gourmet boerie roll! Eaten straight off the braai, boerewors oozes scrumptious juices that hold in the best flavours for you to relish after having a cold beverage.
Let us look at some braai techniques first:
- ‘Local is lekker’ which means that purchasing your fresh boerewors from a local supplier is best! Farm to Fork Butchery located in Umdloti is the perfect option, situated a mere 8-minute drive away from OceanDune Sibaya. Shop for fresh meat and find all your necessities for the afternoon braai. Boerewors range in vibrant flavours, so ensure you chat to your butcher around the different spice options you can find. Common spices you will taste are clove, nutmeg and coriander which give the boerewors a sensational taste in your mouth once cooked.
- Ensure that your braai coals are not too hot when placing your boerewors on the grill; this will prevent the skin from popping. Celebrity chef and TV presenter, Jan Braai encourages braai masters to use a hinged braai grid to prevent pricking of the boerewors while on the braai. Pinching the ends of your ‘wors’ will assist with keeping in the juices that make this meat flavourful and juicy.
- Do not overcook your boerewors. If you do, it will result in dry boerewors that lack flavour and good taste. Jan Braai suggests “turn your boerewors just 4 times on the braai.”
- Boerewors is eaten best straight off the braai. So, ensure you have your fresh rolls and toppings on standby.
Preparation options:
Gourmet boerewors rolls always trend at this time of the year, so it is the perfect option for your braai. Gourmet boerie rolls can consist of your boerewors and spoons of braai salads like your baked beans and potato salads. But we love a great range of variety. Here are our favourite toppings to create the perfect gourmet roll:
- Caramelised onions made of sugar and balsamic vinegar.
- A mix of sauces like mustard and the good old tomato sauce. Throw in some chakalaka for extra sauciness and veggie crunch.
- Tomato salad with onions and fresh lemon juice, dressed with a few sprigs of coriander.
- If you are feeling adventurous you can throw together a salsa with mango or pineapple and green pepper.
Making gourmet boerewors rolls do not need to be difficult and if this overwhelms you then stick to your basics. You will never go wrong with a good old traditional boerewors roll!