José Andrés Brings A Powerhouse Canned Ingredient To Holiday Parties

Unlike some canned foods that are probably never coming back, tins of sardines are not going anywhere for the foreseeable future. They're easily available, have a long shelf life, and can be eaten straight from the can. Now, you can add the fact that it can be a hit at dinner parties to the list. These delicate, oily fish are one of the best, most versatile ingredients to come out of a can. The flavor is bold and pairs well with a variety of ingredients, while a sardine can also be simply enjoyed on a cracker with just some lemon juice. Moreover, the long shelf life of these nutritious tinned fish makes them easy to always have around, and you don't need to undertake much preparation to enjoy them. In fact, consider bringing a tin of nice Mediterranean sardines in extra virgin olive oil instead of a bottle of wine to a dinner party if your hosts enjoy seafood.

If you need a bigger name to support all this, sardines straight out of a can are rightly described as a thing of beauty by Spanish-American chef José Andrés. In an episode of his podcast Longer Tables, in which the James Beard and Michelin star-honored chef shares food stories of interesting people, Andrés waxed poetic about just how heavenly sardines straight out of a can and on some buttered toast can be. We're inclined to agree — the list of delicious uses a tin of sardines can be put to is surprisingly long and varied.

Generally speaking, canned sardines are pre-cooked before packaging (usually smoked or steamed) and come headless and immersed in olive oil. The bones are delicate enough for consumption and add texture to the meaty fish. Basically, you can pick up a sardine straight up from the can and eat it. Or, as José Andrés recommends, go a step further enjoy it on a crunchy toast with a little butter and topped with some freshly cracked black pepper. Because of their oil-drenched nature, sardines are great on a dry, crispy flatbread. A squirt of fresh lemon juice or vinegar helps to elevate the experience and cut through the fatty mouthfeel. Alternatively, serve sardines with a side of pickled vegetables or tangy dip as part of an elevated cheese charcuterie board.

A tinned fish board opens up a lot of options; here, your guests can enjoy pairing sardines with sour, savory, and even sweet-spicy accompaniments like chili crisp or pickled onions. Because of their intense flavor, sardines also go well with creamy dips and starchy foods. Therefore, a garlicky aioli or tartar sauce also works. While crackers and toasted bread are always good, you can get creative and serve up sardines with a side of elevated mashed potatoes. Pasta dishes can also benefit from sardines. A simple, well-seasoned pasta salad garnished with chunks of canned seafood will quickly transport you and your dinner party guests to the balmy Mediterranean coast.