This Is How the Mediterranean Grills: Spain

Sardine skewers are so simple. Sometimes people in this country have no idea how simple it is to create great taste experiences. Spaniards, in this case, "malagueños", show that you don't need half a dozen sauces, five salads and loads of meat to enjoy them wholeheartedly. A handful of ingredients is enough for the "espetos de sardinas", which have become a landmark in Málaga: skewered sardines roasted close to the embers. Traditionalists like Don Manuel from the »Taberna El Mentidero« in Málaga carves the skewers himself from bamboo canes, which he cuts into quarters and sharpens. He sticks small, fresh sardines on them across the skewer. A handful of coarse salt is sprinkled on top, and then the skewers are rammed into the ground next to the embers. Within a short time, the fish skin caramelises and blisters; after a few minutes, the fish are cooked through and crispy. Nothing more than a squeeze of lemon juice on top, and the feast is ready.