The Editors of Saveur

Sweet & Sour Sardines

Preparation info
  • Serves

    6

    • Difficulty

      Easy

Appears in
Italian Comfort Food
Italian Comfort Food

By The Editors of Saveur

Published 2015

  • About

These sweet-and-sour cicchetti are a legacy of Venice’s seafaring tradition. Sardines were traditionally fried and then marinated with onions in vinegar to preserve them for long sea journeys. Over time, they became a staple at the city’s bacari, or wine bars, where they could sit on the counter without risk of spoiling.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup white wine
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • 2 lb.

Method

  1. Combine wine and raisins in a bowl. Soak for 30 minutes; drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat broiler to high. Season sardines with salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Broil until cooked, about 2 minutes; cool.
  2. Heat oil in a 4-qt. pan over medium-high. Add onion and cook