Mediterranean (Spanish-Portuguese) Sardines in Escapeche

Cut the heads of the sardines and split each of them along the belly stop turn them over so the backbone is uppermost. Press down along the backbone to loosen it then carefully lift out the backbone as many of the remaining bones as possible

Close the sardines up again and dust them with seasoned flour.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the sardines 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove the fish from the pan and allow to cool, then place in a single layer in a large shallow dish

To make the marinade, add the olive oil to the oil remaining in the frying pan stop fry the onions and garlic gently for 5 to 10 minutes until soft. Add the bay leaves, cloves, Chile and Africa, with the pepper to taste. Stirfry for another 1 to 2 minutes