Sardines Cured in Idlib Olive Oil with Lemon and Herbs
Fresh sardines briefly cured in the best available olive oil with lemon zest, fresh chili, bay leaf, and fresh herbs — a dish of five ingredients that demands only quality. Ready in 2 hours, gone in minutes.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 400 g very fresh sardines, filleted
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 small fresh red chili, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, coarsely cracked
Instructions
- Rinse sardine fillets under cold water. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Lay fillets in a single layer in a glass or ceramic dish.
- Pour lemon juice over the fillets. Let sit 10 minutes — the flesh will begin to turn opaque at the edges.
- Pour the olive oil over the fillets. Scatter lemon zest, chili, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper over everything.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, up to 8 hours.
- Remove from the refrigerator 20 minutes before serving. Scatter fresh parsley over the top.
- Serve with warm flatbread, olives, and lemon wedges.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sardines Cured in Idlib Olive Oil with Lemon and Herbs?
Fresh sardines briefly cured in the best available olive oil with lemon zest, fresh chili, bay leaf, and fresh herbs — a dish of five ingredients that demands only quality. Ready in 2 hours, gone in minutes.
Where is Sardines Cured in Idlib Olive Oil with Lemon and Herbs from?
Sardines Cured in Idlib Olive Oil with Lemon and Herbs comes from Idlib Syrian. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Sardines Cured in Idlib Olive Oil with Lemon and Herbs vegetarian?
No — as written, Sardines Cured in Idlib Olive Oil with Lemon and Herbs includes meat, fish, or meat-based stock, so it is not vegetarian. See the ingredient list for the specific ingredients used.
What can I use instead of bay leaves in Sardines Cured in Idlib Olive Oil with Lemon and Herbs?
The bay leaves called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Sardines Cured in Idlib Olive Oil with Lemon and Herbs its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Sardines Cured in Idlib Olive Oil with Lemon and Herbs?
In a Syrian appetizers spread, Sardines Cured in Idlib Olive Oil with Lemon and Herbs is served as part of a mezze table — alongside warm pita or markook bread, other small dishes, and fresh vegetables. It also works as a starter before a larger meal.
Can I make Sardines Cured in Idlib Olive Oil with Lemon and Herbs ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.