Sardine Sandwich with Sauteed Spinach, Garlic & Jalapeno

I am a big fan of the lowly, oft-maligned canned sardine. In fact, I love opening a can and having them with some fried eggs, buttered toast and some lemon and hot sauce on the side as a terrific weekend brunch / breakfast or a late night snack.


But today I am going to share a more "fancy" use for the canned sardines in your pantry, and one that is really, really delicious -- a sardine

sandwich with sautéed spinach, garlic and jalapenos served with a special sauce.

You will almost think your 99 cent can has gone gourmet!

First, take some extra virgin olive oil and heat to medium-hot in a saucepan. Then add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Add a handful of baby spinach leaves and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Finally add some chopped jalapeno slices, pickled or fresh, and sauté for 2-3 minutes more.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix up a blend of a couple of tablespoons of mayonnaise and a teaspoon or two of a hot sauce of your choosing. Tabasco works well as does Cholula. I used El Yucatero's fiery habanero sauce.


Take a good sized piece of a bread you like (I used a medium rye), toast it and top with the sauce.

Then, top with the sautéed spinach, garlic and jalapeno blend.

Finally top with three sardines. I like to alternate their direction but that is purely aesthetic.

You can then eat this open-faced or like a traditional sandwich.

Absolutely terrific! It is also good with a couple slices of tomato and/or a leaf of romaine lettuce. You can squirt some lemon juice on the sardines as well.

A great lunch and a great way to enjoy canned sardines.

See also: The Reuben Dog!

See also: The Leviathan Sauerkraut & Horseradish Double Pork & Beef Burger!