Easy & Tasty Portuguese Canned Sardine Pâté Recipe
This Easy & Tasty Portuguese Canned Sardine Pâté is a quick and flavorful spread made with canned sardines, butter, onions, parsley, and a hint of lemon juice. Perfect for appetizers or snacks, it combines the rich taste of sardines with fresh herbs and a smooth texture enhanced by optional tomato paste for added depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup pâté, serves 4
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Portuguese
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3.75 oz (1 can) sardine fillets in olive oil
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, sliced into cubes
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 small bunch of parsley, roughly chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1-3 teaspoons tomato paste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by dicing half a medium onion and roughly chopping a small bunch of fresh parsley. Slice the unsalted butter into cubes to help it blend smoothly later.
- Sauté the Onion: In a small pan over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This will mellow the onion’s flavor and add sweetness to the pâté.
- Combine Sardines and Butter: In a mixing bowl, add the sardine fillets along with the olive oil from the can. Add the cubed butter to the warm onion and stir until the butter starts to soften.
- Blend the Pâté: Transfer the sautéed onions, sardines, softened butter, chopped parsley, and lemon juice to a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If you prefer chunkier texture, pulse less.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and fresh ground pepper to your preference. For an added layer of flavor and subtle sweetness, incorporate 1 to 3 teaspoons of tomato paste, blending again until well mixed.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the pâté for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- The tomato paste is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and color.
- Use fresh parsley for the best aroma and taste, but you can substitute with dried if necessary (use 1 tablespoon dried).
- Adjust lemon juice and salt according to your taste preferences.
- This pâté can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan butter or olive oil, though texture and flavor will differ slightly.
