What is the process of homemade spicy sardines in oil?

Making homemade spicy sardines in oil involves several steps to clean, cook, and flavour the sardines before preserving them in oil. Here's a general outline of the process:

Ingredients:

- Fresh sardines

- Olive oil

- Garlic

- Red chili peppers or辣椒油

- Salt

- Spices, such as paprika, cumin, bay leaves, or cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cleaning the Sardines:

- Rinse the fresh sardines thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.

- Remove the heads and guts of the sardines by making a small incision on the underside of each fish and gently pulling out the insides.

- Alternatively, you can find sardines already cleaned and gutted at some fish markets.

2. Preparing the Marinade:

- Mix together olive oil, garlic (sliced or minced), red chili peppers or辣椒油 (chopped), salt, and any additional spices you prefer.

- Create enough marinade to coat the sardines.

3. Marinating the Sardines:

- Place the cleaned sardines in a deep dish or container.

- Pour the marinade over the sardines, ensuring they are fully coated.

- Let the sardines marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to several hours, or even overnight for a deeper flavor.

4. Cooking the Sardines:

- Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated sardines in the skillet.

- Cook the sardines for several minutes on each side, until lightly browned and cooked through.

- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the sardines.

5. Preserving in Oil:

- Sterilize a glass or ceramic jar or jars by boiling them in hot water for several minutes.

- Once sterilized, let the jars cool completely.

- Remove the sardines from the skillet and place them in the sterilized jar(s).

- Add additional olive oil to the jars, ensuring the sardines are completely submerged.

6. Sealing andStoring:

- Seal the jar(s) tightly with airtight lids.

-Store the jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard.

-Allow the spicy sardines in oil to mature for at least a week before consuming to let the flavors develop further.

Remember to follow food safety guidelines whenspreparing and storing homemade canned goods. It is important to ensure the jars are properly sterilized and that you maintain good hygiene during the process to avoid any contamination.