Sardines, Garlic & Mint

An easy recipe for a much adored fish.

12 fresh sardines, scaled and gutted
maldon sea salt
EVOO
green garlic (or scallions)
1/4 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs, toasted
1 tblsp capers
1/3 cup loosely packed mint

1. arrange butterflied sardines on a baking sheet, skin side up
2. season both sides with salt, and brush both sides lightly with EVOO
3. roast sardines, skin side up, for about 5 minutes or until skin starts to sizzle
4. in a small pan, add garlic to EVOO and saute until soft
5. over medium-low heat, replenish pan with a few tblsp EVOO and sprinkle breadcrumbs, saute for 2 minutes or until they crisp up and darken slightly
6. remove from the heat, add garlic, stir in capers and mint and set aside until serving
7. transfer sardines to a serving platter or divide among plates, squeeze some lemon over the top, spoon the garlic mixture over the sardines and drizzle with EVOO