Minerva Sardines in Spiced Olive Oil with Pickles

Fresh sardines from Portugal's Atlantic coast, preserved in a spiced olive oil with pickled carrot and cucumber, piri-piri and a traditional blend of bay, clove and peppercorn. One of the most complex tins in the Minerva range — and one of the most characterful sardine tins at this price.

The pickles bring acidity and crunch, the piri-piri a building heat, and the condiments a background warmth. Hand-prepared at A Poveira's cannery using the same methods they've used since 1942.

Serve on bread to soak up the oil, toss through warm potatoes with parsley, or put on a board for a proper conservas spread.