Jose Gourmet - Sardines in Brava Sauce

Jose Gourmet - Sardines in Brava Sauce

These are petingas, the small sardines Portugal is famous for, caught off the Portuguese coast and packed into the tin by hand one at a time. The sauce is José Gourmet's nod to patatas bravas, with red pepper, garlic, chilli and olive oil blended into something smooth and creamy.

There's a kick, but it's a gentle one, and it doesn't get in the way of the sardines. I like them warmed through and spooned over crispy roast potatoes, which is about as close to the original dish as a tin is going to get. They're also great on toast with a few pickled onions to cut through the richness.