Lime-Leaf Chili Sardines

Dive into the flavors of Southeast Asia with this quick and simple Lime-Leaf Chili Sardine dish, perfect for a busy day. By combining aromatic ingredients and canned sardines, you create a flavorful, saucy dish that's best served with rice or bread. The hint of lime leaves and fresh cilantro adds an unmistakable fragrance and vibrant color, making it as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Ingredients

🛢️ 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
🧅 0.5 medium Onion or 1-2 small Shallots, sliced
🧄 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
🌶️ 2-4 Red Bird's Eye Chillies, sliced
🐟 1 can Ayam Brand Sardines in Tomato Sauce
💧 0.5 to 1 can-full Water
🍃 Several Makrut Lime Leaves, torn
🌿 Fresh Cilantro, for garnish
🍋 Lime or Calamansi, for garnish
🍚 Cooked Rice, for serving

Instructions

1- Heat the Oil:

Begin by heating a small amount of cooking oil in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat.

2- Sauté Aromatics:

Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and sliced chillies to the hot oil.
Stir-fry until the onions turn translucent and the garlic and chillies release their fragrant aromas.

3- Add Sardines:

Carefully add the entire can of Ayam Brand sardines, along with its tomato sauce, directly into the pan.

4- Rinse and Pour Water:

Pour approximately 0.5 to 1 can-full of water into the empty sardine can.
Swirl to collect any remaining sauce, and pour it into the pan.

5- Add Lime Leaves (Optional):

If using, tear the makrut lime leaves and add them to the mixture for an aromatic boost.

6- Mix Ingredients:

Stir all the ingredients well to ensure they're thoroughly combined.

7- Boil:

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then it's ready to be served.

8- Serve:

Serve hot with cooked rice or bread, garnished with fresh cilantro and slices of lime or calamansi.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Equipment: 🍳 Saucepan/Skillet (non-stick) 🍴 Spatula (silicone) 🍽️ Serving Plate (ceramic) 🥄 Serving Spoon (wooden)