Grilled Sardines with Recheado/Reshad Paste

Yes, it’s coming! The much dreaded ‘writer’s block’ which rears its ugly head occasionally is slowly creeping in.
I can identify it these days. Starts with the physical self, a slow drain of energy which eventually creeps into my mind and pfffff…..I go blank.
Unlike earlier, I don’t fight this phase anymore; neither do I get upset or frustrated. I understand that it is my inner self asking me to slow down, take it easy and give it the rest it deserves. And this phase is an experience which bounces me back stronger and surer of who I am and the work I want to do.
So if you find me not my usual self or see a bit of irregularity here, I am just waiting for my mojo to be back.
And I also know that there’s been a lot of seafood happening here recently (and its going to continue for a bit!). Like I mentioned earlier, the project with the Supreme seafood company is a massive one. Initially I thought I will not include those posts here but then those recipes are some of the best that I cook or like to eat. So I thought it wouldn’t be fair if it’s not part of my space. But I do promise that I will try and include a bit more variety to avoid a fishy monotony.
Today’s dish uses sardines, the large oily sardines. These are larger than the regular sardines; contain more oil content which makes it much healthier as these contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The only catch is that these types of oily fish also contain a higher level of mercury or dioxin. So while extremely nutritious, these have to be taken in moderation.

I have always enjoyed the flavour of oily sardines especially when grilled. The higher oil content keeps the fish moist and with a bit of spice rub on it, these sardines are a delicious feast.
This time, I used the famous Goan spice marinade known as the Recheado paste or Reshad paste or sometimes, also as the Goan red masala. Don’t get thrown off by the word ‘red’; it has less heat and more colour due to the use of dry red chillies.

The Recheado or Reshad paste is an excellent marinade for seafood, especially fish that are fleshy in nature. The spices are blended with tamarind and vinegar with a hint of sugar to balance out the flavours. If you do not have a grill, then pan fry the fish. But the best option would be a coal fired barbecue to grill this fish; add a couple of beers and enjoy!

Ingredients:
1. 6 oily sardines; gutted and cleaned
2. Salt, to season
3. 2 cloves
4. ½ tsp cumin/jeera seeds
5. ½ tsp black peppercorns
6. ½ inch cinnamon bark
7. 3-4 long dry red chillies (this gives medium heat, so adjust quantity to suit preferences)
8. ½ inch ginger
9. 3 medium garlic cloves
10. ¼ tsp turmeric powder
11. Sugar, a pinch
12. 1 tsp tamarind paste
13. ½ tsp white vinegar
14. Fresh garden salad, to serve
15. lemon wedges, to serve
Method:
• Clean and wash the sardines; pat dry. Score the fish to allow deeper penetration of the marinade.
• Soak the dry chillies in warm water for 15 minutes and then use for blending.
• Blend cloves, cumin, peppercorns, cinnamon, dry red chilli, ginger, garlic, turmeric, sugar, salt, tamarind and vinegar into a paste.
• Rub the sardines with this paste and keep aside for 2 hours. Overnight marination is a great idea if you have the time.
• Grill on a pan till done or shallow fry in oil.
• Serve hot with lemon wedges and a side of fresh garden salad.