Portuguese Grilled Sardine Pâté Toast

Introduction

A rustic and flavorful Portuguese-inspired dish, perfect as an appetizer or light meal. This delicious grilled toast is topped with creamy sardine pâté, made right on the Arteflame grill for incredible taste and texture.

Ingredients

• 4 thick slices of rustic bread
• 2 cans of high-quality Portuguese sardines in olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood on top of the napkins and ignite.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the grill reaches optimal cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Sardine Pâté

1. Place the sardines onto the flat cooktop griddle and heat for 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavor.
2. Move them to a cooler part of the griddle and mash them using a fork.
3. Add the finely diced shallot, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
4. Mix thoroughly while allowing the heat of the griddle to meld the ingredients together.
5. Stir in butter and chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Grill the Bread

1. Butter both sides of the rustic bread slices generously.
2. Place the bread slices directly onto the flat top griddle, closer to the hotter center zone for a crispy finish.
3. Grill each side for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Assemble the Toast

1. Remove the grilled bread slices from the grill and immediately spread the warm sardine pâté on top.
2. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips

• For extra smokiness, briefly grill lemon halves and squeeze the charred juice over the pâté.
• Use a fresh baguette instead of rustic bread for a different texture.
• Allow the sardine pâté to sit for a few minutes to let flavors meld before spreading.

Variations

1. Spicy Portuguese Sardine Pâté: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
2. Herb-Infused Pâté: Mix in fresh thyme and basil for a more aromatic flavor.
3. Smoky Pâté: Use smoked paprika to enhance the depth of flavor.
4. Creamy Avocado Sardine Pâté: Mash in half an avocado for a smoother, richer consistency.
5. Citrus Zest Pâté: Add some finely grated lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist.

Conclusion

This Portuguese grilled sardine pâté toast is an easy yet elegant dish that brings bold, fresh flavors straight from the grill to your plate. Perfect as a quick appetizer or a satisfying snack.

Best Pairings

• Portuguese Vinho Verde or crisp white wine
• A side of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini
• A light arugula salad with olive oil and lemon dressing