Introduction
Cooking fresh, local ingredients over a campfire is one of the best ways to enjoy the culinary delights of Cornwall. Pilchards, a traditional Cornish staple, are delicious, nutritious, and perfect for grilling over an open flame. This simple yet flavourful recipe for Grilled Cornish Pilchards will bring the taste of Cornwall to your campsite.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh Cornish pilchards (sardines can be used as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Aluminium foil
Instructions
- Prepare the Pilchards:
- Rinse the pilchards under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Make a few diagonal cuts on each side of the fish to help them cook evenly and absorb the marinade.
- Marinate the Pilchards:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Rub this mixture all over the pilchards, making sure to get it into the cuts and the cavity of the fish.
- Place a few slices of lemon and some fresh herbs inside the cavity of each pilchard.
- Prepare the Campfire:
- Get your campfire going and let it burn down to a medium-hot bed of coals. Alternatively, if you have a grill grate, you can place it over the fire once it has burned down to hot coals.
- Wrap the Pilchards:
- Lay out large pieces of aluminium foil. Place each pilchard on a piece of foil.
- Add a few more slices of lemon and herbs on top of the fish.
- Wrap the foil around the fish to create a sealed packet. This will help to steam the fish, keeping it moist and flavourful.
- Grill the Pilchards:
- Place the foil packets directly on the hot coals or on the grill grate.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on the size of the fish. You’ll know they are done when the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the foil packets from the fire and let them cool for a minute before unwrapping.
- Serve the grilled pilchards with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs.
Tips for Campfire Cooking
- Fire Safety: Always make sure your campfire is well-contained and that you have water or sand nearby to extinguish it if necessary.
- Cooking Tools: Bring long-handled tongs and heat-resistant gloves to handle the foil packets safely.
- Accompaniments: Pair your grilled pilchards with fresh Cornish bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables cooked in a similar foil packet.
Conclusion
This Grilled Cornish Pilchards recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh flavours of Cornwall while camping. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can savour a delicious meal that captures the essence of Cornish cuisine. Gather around the campfire, share stories, and enjoy this traditional dish that celebrates the best of Cornwall’s culinary heritage. Happy camping and bon appétit!
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