How to make Pasta de Sardinha

Why cooks start here

Pasta de Sardinha is cooked the way coastal Portugal cooks it — good olive oil used without counting, salt judged by hand, and no fuss about the plate. This is the home version, written down the way a Portuguese family cook actually puts it on the table.

Pasta de Sardinha is a staple of coastal Portuguese kitchens, embodying the straightforward, unfussy style of home cooking that defines the region. Sardines, a beloved ingredient of the sea, are generously paired with robust olive oil, creating a dish that lands on the table with the ease of familiarity. This version captures the essence of how it's prepared by family cooks across Portugal, not as a special occasion dish but as a comforting everyday meal. Pasta de Sardinha combines creamy butter and sardines with lemon juice and piri-piri heat, enhanced by fresh parsley and onion, and balanced by salt and pepper, creating rich, vibrant flavors ideal with crusty bread or a green salad.