Name: Easy & Tasty Portuguese Canned Sardine Pâté Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 3.75 oz sardine fillets in olive oil (approximately 1 can); 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 teaspoon tomato paste (optional)

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Introduction

This easy and tasty Portuguese canned sardine pâté is a quick and flavorful spread perfect for any snack or appetizer. Combining simple ingredients like sardines, butter, and fresh parsley, it delivers a rich and creamy taste that pairs wonderfully with toasted bread or crackers.

The image shows a spread of seven toasted slices of light golden-brown bread arranged in a circle on a white plate, each slice evenly spaced and slightly overlapping the next. In the center of this circle, there is a white bowl filled with a thick, creamy orange spread mixed with small bits of herbs and red onion pieces, giving it a textured look. To the top right of this main plate is another smaller white plate with a single slice of bread generously covered with the same orange spread, its surface smooth but with visible herbs. Next to this plate on the right, there is a small glass jar filled with the same orange spread, sealed with a golden lid. The entire setup is placed on a fabric with a black-and-white checkered pattern over a white marbled surface. A metal knife rests diagonally on the upper left side of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3.75 oz sardine fillets in olive oil (about 1 can)
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

Step 1: Remove the sardines from the can, reserving the olive oil. Place the sardines (without the oil) into a food processor.
Step 2: Add the lemon juice, diced onion, chopped parsley, butter cubes, and tomato paste if using to the food processor.
Step 3: Pulse the ingredients a few times until they are roughly combined.
Step 4: Add a spoonful of the reserved olive oil and continue pulsing. Stop occasionally to taste the pâté, adjusting salt and pepper as needed, and adding more olive oil if the mixture is too thick.
Step 5: Continue blending until the pâté reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Step 6: Serve immediately with toasted bread or crackers.

Tips & Variations

For a tangier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or a small splash of vinegar.
Try mixing in a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse less to keep small pieces of sardine intact.
Substitute parsley with fresh cilantro or dill for a different herbal note.

Storage

Store the pâté in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, let it come to room temperature and stir well. You can also drizzle a little olive oil on top to help preserve moisture. This pâté is best enjoyed fresh and does not require reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up top view of a thick, creamy mixture inside a white bowl with a black blender blade in the center, the mixture is light brown with visible small green and purple bits, giving it a textured and slightly chunky look, the surface surrounding the mixture is smooth but uneven, indicating recent stirring or blending, set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use sardines packed in water instead of olive oil?

Yes, but you may want to add extra olive oil or butter to achieve the desired creamy texture and richness since water-packed sardines lack oil.

Is this pâté suitable for serving at parties?

Absolutely! It makes a delicious and easy appetizer. Serve it with a variety of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleaser.