Cured Sardines with Lemon

Instructions

1. Rinse the sardine fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure all scales and any remaining bones are removed for a smooth texture once cured.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sea salt and granulated sugar. This mixture will help draw out moisture and add flavor to the sardines.
3. Lay half of the fillets skin-side down in a shallow glass dish. Sprinkle the salt-sugar mixture evenly over the top. Place the remaining fillets on top, skin-side up, creating a layer of sardines.
4. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 6 hours. This allows the sardines to cure, developing their flavor and firming up their texture.
5. After 6 hours, rinse the sardine fillets thoroughly under cold water to remove the curing mixture. Pat them dry again with paper towels and set aside.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, capers, and black pepper to create a zesty marinade.
7. In a clean shallow dish, arrange the rinsed and dried sardines. Pour the lemon marinade over the sardines, ensuring they are evenly covered.
8. Cover the dish again with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an additional 2 hours to allow the flavors to integrate fully.
9. Before serving, sprinkle the cured sardines with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve chilled, with crusty bread or as part of an antipasti platter.