THE GREAT BRITISH BBQ- A VEGETARIAN VERSION

Marinated Cornish Sardines.

BBQ’s are the easiest thing, bung on a few sausages, some home-made burgers, the odd kebab. I’d never really done much fish on the BBQ, a few marinated prawns on sticks but never full blown fish. They always seemed a bit fiddly and messy..not a good excuse I know but true.

However when faced with a vegetarian needing more than just a vegetable kebab I realised now was the time to embrace my fear and go for it.

Little did I realise how easy it would be. Especially once I had bought a holder thing..the first time we cobbled together two wire cooling racks to keep the fish in together, however we did manage to lose one of them in the flames. Not great!!

BBQ Cornish Sardines

BBQ'd Cornish Sardines

Now I am pleased to say with this handy gadget it is SO simple.

Waitrose BBQ Grill basket

http://www.waitrose.com/shop/ProductView-10317-10001-264468-Waitrose+Outdoors+bbq+grill+basket

Over the Bank Holiday weekend we went to Hengistbury Head in Dorset, a truly beautiful area, strolling along the beach you could see faint trails of smoke curling up as little groups gathered for beach BBQ’s. The smell of the smoke, the sea, and cooking food was so tempting.

Great British Seaside, Dorset, England.

Dorset, England

We were visiting friends and Si had just been out fishing and caught mackerel which we BBQ’d that evening, stuffed with garlic and olive oil. It was simple and delicious.

Back home this week when the rain stopped we BBQ’d sardines. Sadly not caught by us I hasten to add, but still delicious.

Beach Huts in Dorset, England.

BBQ CORNISH SARDINES

Serves 4

Preparation time 2 minutes

Cooking time 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

4 Large sardines or 8 smaller ones

4 cloves of garlic

2 tbsp olive oil

Juice of a lemon

Handful of fresh fennel

WHAT TO DO:

1.      Rinse the fish then place in a large bowl.

2.      Crush the garlic into a small jug or cup, put in the olive oil, lemon juice and the  chopped fennel then pour over the fish, coating it well. Season with salt and pepper.

3.      Allow this to rest for an hour or so if you have the time, or whilst you light the BBQ.

4.      Place the fish in the BBQ turner and cook for about 5 minutes on each side.

Serve with lots of crusty fresh bread and a green salad and extra lemon slices.

So if you have shied away from fish give it a go, it’s so easy!!

Sardines all gone...