Lunch: Grilled Sardines with Mint and Almonds

Ingredients

3/4 cup whole almonds
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1 small onion, minced
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1/2 cup packed mint leaves
3 large garlic cloves
Pinch of crushed red pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
12 fresh sardines, small red mullet, mackerel or trout—cleaned, heads left on
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°. On a rimmed baking sheet, spread the almonds in an even layer and toast for about 10 minutes, until golden.
In a medium bowl, stir the saffron with 2 tablespoons of hot water. Let stand for 2 minutes, then stir in the onion, raisins and half of the roasted almonds.
In a food processor, combine the cilantro, mint, garlic and crushed pepper and pulse just to combine. With the machine on, drizzle in the olive oil. Add two-thirds of the herb mixture into the onion mixture.
Using a sharp paring knife, make 3 diagonal slashes into the fish on both sides. Rub the remaining herb mixture all over the fish and into the slashes. Grill or broil the fish for about 3 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked through.
Spoon some of the sauce onto a serving platter, top with the grilled sardines and serve with lime wedges.

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