🐟 Oil Packed #10

Tomato, tomahto

Nuri Sardines in Tomato Sauce

Price: $6.99
Weight: 125g
Texture: Firm
Taste: Savory
Pair with: Extra salt and bread

So far on Oil Packed, we’ve only reviewed seafood packed in oil. There are so many other options: escabeche sauce, soy sauce, and even squid ink. One of my favorite oil-ternatives is tomato sauce - it makes for a flavorful meal right out of the can.

Nuri Sardines in Tomato Sauce is a nicely savory, vegetal tin. There are about four large sardines packed in tomato sauce and olive oil - it’s as simple as that. The fish are skin-on and bone-in and just as meaty as we’re used to from Nuri. These ‘deens feel a bit firmer than their olive oil packed counterparts. The tomato sauce is packed deliciously fresh - you’d guess it was puréed just before serving. My only gripe with these is that I needed to add salt to every bite. If you’re cooking with these sardines, you’ll have a nice base to work with. If you’re eating them right out of the can, they leave a bit to be desired.

My favorite way to eat sardines in tomato sauce is smashed on top of a nice piece of bread - I prefer sourdough. Then, add your favorite herb, some flaky salt, and/or a squeeze of lemon on top to round out the bite. Make sure to save some bread to scoop up the last bits of tomato sauce from the can once you’ve polished off the fish. This tin is also great with a salty cracker, a potato chip, or cooked into a pasta dish.

Nuri packs a tasty tin - these are pretty good, and they make a spiced version that I think I may enjoy more. You can find this tin at specialty food stores, or at your favorite online retailer.

Rating: ★★★.5

photos by Aaron Barton