Wild-caught Portuguese sardines in a slow-simmered, well-seasoned tomato sauce. A classic with a little more going on.

The sauce is bold and comforting, the fish tender. Spoon them over polenta with olive oil and fresh basil, or onto toast on a night you don't feel like cooking.

For the friend who keeps a real pantry. The host gift. The stocking that eats well.

Wild-caught sardines in tomato sauce. From Miss Can, Lisbon.