Sartheles Psites (Baked Sardines With Garlic and Oregano)

Written by
Nancy Gaifyllia
A resident of Greece, Nancy Gaifyllia is a cook who writes about the country's regional specialties.
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Nancy Gaifyllia
Updated 06/19/19
Baked sardines on a plate
Fotosearch / Getty Images
  • Total: 60 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
341 Calories
19g Fat
35g Carbs
11g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 servings
Amount per serving
Calories 341
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 3g 13%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 64mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 35g 13%
Dietary Fiber 11g 41%
Protein 11g
Calcium 119mg 9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Sartheles Psites (In Greek: σαρδέλες ριγανάτες, pronounced sar-THEH-les ree-ghah-NAH-tes) is a favorite dish all over Greece and happens to be an easy one to make. The recipe calls for fresh sardines, garlic, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The hardest part of this recipe may be finding fresh sardines—unfortunately, canned just won't taste the same. And once you score some fresh sardines, you need to eat them the same day—they don't freeze well and will rot quickly.

Greece has the second largest coastline in Europe, so, naturally, an important part of their cuisine is fish—and sardines are a popular variety. Sardines are pulled from the sea, prepared with fresh but minimal ingredients, and then served as an appetizer or light entree. Using Greek oregano makes this recipe truly authentic. Serve when having friends over on a warm summer night— sartheles psites will please even the sardine-skeptics and impress your guests. 

Ingredients

  • 2 to 2 1/2 pounds fresh sardines
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons rigani (Greek oregano), more or less to taste
  • 5 to 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup water

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Preheat oven to 355 F/180 C.

  3. Remove scales and intestines from the sardines, leaving heads intact.

  4. Lay sardines in a baking pan and top with all remaining ingredients, using salt, pepper, and oregano to taste (don't skimp), sprinkling evenly.

  5. Bake for about 45 minutes until fish are golden and skin is crispy.

  6. Serve and enjoy!

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