Mediterranean Sardine Fish Pie
This rustic pie is a creative twist on classic Mediterranean flavors, using humble pantry staples like sardines, potatoes, and herbs. The crust is made with grated potatoes instead of traditional pastry, making it hearty and naturally gluten-free. With creamy, savory filling and a touch of spice, this dish is comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect as a main meal with salad or as a shareable appetizer.
Time
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the Crust:
3 medium potatoes, peeled and grated
2 tbsp sour cream
½ tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
2 cans sardines (preferably in tomato sauce, drained lightly)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 tsp vinegar (apple cider or white)
Salt, to taste
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the crust:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grate the potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel.
In a bowl, mix grated potatoes with sour cream, baking powder, and a little salt.
Press the potato mixture evenly into the base and sides of a greased baking dish or pie tin to form the crust.
Bake the crust:
Pre-bake the crust for 15 minutes until it starts to set and lightly crisp around the edges.
Make the filling:
In a bowl, mix sardines (break them up with a fork), mayonnaise, onion, parsley, and chopped eggs.
Stir in vinegar, salt, and cayenne pepper for flavor.
Assemble the pie:
Spread the sardine mixture evenly over the potato crust.
Optionally, top with a few extra potato shreds or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a golden crust.
Bake:
Return to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is heated through.
Serve:
Let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of salad or pickled vegetables.
Tips
Drain well: If using sardines in tomato sauce or oil, drain lightly to avoid a soggy filling.
Dry potatoes: Squeeze out as much liquid from grated potatoes as possible for a crispier crust.
Pre-bake crust: Don’t skip pre-baking the potato base—it prevents it from staying raw once the filling is added.
Season carefully: Sardines are naturally salty, so add salt gradually after tasting.
Variations
Cheesy Upgrade: Add grated mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking for a richer finish.
Mediterranean Twist: Stir in chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or capers to the filling.
Spice Lovers: Replace cayenne with smoked paprika or harissa for a deeper kick.
Herbal Boost: Fresh dill, basil, or oregano can be swapped for parsley.
Creamier Version: Mix a little cream cheese or Greek yogurt into the sardine filling for extra creaminess.
Protein Boost: Replace hard-boiled eggs with cooked quinoa or chickpeas if you want it egg-free but still filling.
Mini Pies: Instead of one large pie, press potato crusts into muffin tins and fill for individual servings—great for parties or meal prep.
Q&A
Q: Can I use fresh sardines instead of canned?
A: Yes, but they should be cleaned, deboned, and lightly cooked before adding to the filling. Canned sardines add convenience and flavor.
Q: My potato crust turned soggy. What went wrong?
A: Make sure to squeeze out excess water from grated potatoes and pre-bake the crust before adding the filling.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake it fully, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Swap sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and replace mayonnaise with olive-oil-based vegan mayo.
Q: What can I serve with sardine pie?
A: A fresh cucumber-tomato salad, lemon wedges, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this savory pie.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~290
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 470mg
Omega-3 fatty acids: High (thanks to sardines)
(Values will vary depending on sardine type, mayo brand, and exact portion sizes.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Sardine Fish Pie is a flavorful and nutrient-rich dish that combines the bold taste of sardines with the heartiness of potatoes and the creaminess of sour cream. It’s budget-friendly, packed with protein and omega-3s, and versatile enough to adapt with your favorite herbs, spices, or cheeses. Serve it as a comforting main course or slice it into smaller portions for an appetizer-style dish.