A clean white bowl filled to the brim. Chunky ripe tomatoes mingling with luscious avocado pieces, set on a backdrop of toasted brown rustic bread. The silver gleam of grilled sardines tops it all, glimmering with a drizzle of glossy olive oil. A sprinkle of fresh parsley leaves and a lemon wedge provide a final pop of color.

Mediterranean Sardine Bruschetta Bottomless Bowl

Name: Mediterranean Sardine Bruschetta Bottomless Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 21 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: whole fresh sardines, 4 cleaned and gutted; artisan rustic bread, 4 thick slices None; large ripe tomatoes, 2 diced; large ripe avocado, 1 diced; lemon, 1 zest and juice; fresh parsley, handful roughly chopped; garlic clove, 1 minced; extra virgin olive oil, 2-3 tablespoons None; salt, to taste None; freshly ground black pepper, to taste None

Category Brunch

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 6 minutes

Style Mediterranean

Technique Grilling

Diet Friendly Pescatarian

Daily Recipe: August 12, 2023

Inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, today's recipe adds a fresh spin on a beloved classic. We've focused on sardines, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, rich in Omega-3s, vitamin D, and protein. Along with fresh, tangy tomatoes, ripe avocados, and zesty lemon, this dish celebrates seasonal ingredients and vibrant, healthful cuisine.

Ingredients (for 2)

Whole fresh sardines - 4 - cleaned and gutted
Artisan rustic bread - 4 thick slices
Large ripe tomatoes - 2 - diced
Large ripe avocado - 1 - diced
Lemon - 1 - zest and juice
Fresh parsley - handful - roughly chopped
Garlic clove - 1 - minced
Extra virgin olive oil - 2-3 tablespoons
Salt - to taste
Freshly ground black pepper - to taste

Preparation

Step 1 - 🔥🐟🍋

Preheat your grill to high, oil the grates, and season your sardines with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Grill the sardines for 2-3 minutes per side until they are cooked and charred.
Step 2 - 🍞🔥🥖

Take your slices of artisan bread and toast them until they are golden brown.
Step 3 - 🍅🥑🍋🥣

Combine diced tomatoes, avocado, minced garlic, fresh parsley in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over top, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until the ingredients are well-mixed.
Step 4 - 🥖🍽️🐟

Place your toasted slices in serving bowls. Top them with the tomato avocado mixture and then lay the grilled sardines on top. Finish with a final squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Step 5 - 🍽️😋🎉

Serve your dish immediately for everyone to enjoy this seasonal sensation.

Additional

This dish is a melody of flavors and textures - creamy, acidic, crunchy, and savory all at once. Kids can help with the toasting and tossing for a fun kitchen activity. If sardines aren't your thing, grilled shrimp make a delicious substitute.