Tortang Sardinas with Malunggay: Budget-Friendly Sardines Omelet

Tortang sardinas or sardines omelet in other countries, is one of the favorite foods of Filipinos; not only is it delicious, but it is also cheap and easy to buy, especially if you are on a budget. Therefore, it is often found in the homes of Filipinos, and it is usually served as a side dish with rice or bread. Or sometimes, it is mixed with instant noodles.

As we Filipinos grew up (my generation, or Batang 90s as we call it), we always saw it on our table for breakfast. We could easily buy it from the neighboring small grocery stores in the Philippines called sari-sari stores. Youngstown was still popular when we bought it, and we called it instead of sardines because Youngstown was more popular back then for sardines.

I still remember that we often make it a snack paired with pandesal, So this recipe is also very nostalgic and in this article, let’s learn how to cook tortang sardinas. We will add malunggay or moringa leaves to add more texture and make it healthier and more liked by vegetable lovers.

A Quick and Easy Meal for Any Time of Day

This easy Tortang Sardinas with Malunggay recipe serves two to three and takes just 15 minutes to prepare and cook, making it the perfect option for those busy days when you need a quick and satisfying meal. Plus, with the added nutrition from the malunggay leaves, you can feel good about serving this dish to your family and friends.

Customize Your Tortang Sardinas

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences. For example, depending on your choice, you can use different canned sardines, such as those in tomato sauce or oil. Additionally, you can add or omit the flour depending on the texture you prefer for your omelet.

Adding More Veggies

To make your Tortang Sardinas even more nutritious, add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. This increases the dish’s nutritional value and adds color and texture, making it more visually appealing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Tortang Sardinas with Malunggay

To ensure your Tortang Sardinas with Malunggay turns out perfectly, be mindful of these common mistakes:

1. Overcooking: To avoid a dry and tough texture, cook the torta until golden brown on both sides while keeping the inside moist and tender.
   
2. Insufficient Seasoning: For a tasty torta, taste the mixture before cooking and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
   
3. Excessive Malunggay Leaves: Using too many malunggay leaves can result in a bitter taste. Add just enough leaves to balance flavor and nutrition.
   
4. Inadequate Mixing: Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
   
5. Small Pan Size: A too-small pan can make flipping the torta difficult and result in a messy presentation. Choose the correct pan size for your mixture.

A Video Recipe to Follow Along

If you’re more of a visual learner, here’s a video recipe. Following along with the video can help you better understand each step of the process, ensuring that your Tortang Sardinas turns out perfectly every time.

Other Torta Recipes to Try

You should explore other torta recipes if you enjoyed making and eating this Tortang Sardinas with Malunggay. Check out these delicious options:

• Tortang Giniling: A ground meat omelet that is easy to make and perfect for busy days.
• Tortang Talong: An eggplant omelet that is both tasty and healthy, making it an excellent option for vegetarians or those looking for a low-carb meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, Tortang Sardinas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. To reheat, place the torta in a pan over low heat, cooking each side for about 1-2 minutes or until heated. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may not be as crisp as when pan-fried.

In Summary

Tortang Sardinas is a delightful, budget-friendly Filipino dish showcasing canned sardines’ versatility. With its flavorful combination of ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons or enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal on a budget. So go ahead and give Tortang Sardinas a try – you won’t be disappointed!

SEE THE FULL RECIPE BELOW!

Tortang Sardinas

5 from 1 vote

Course: Main, Appetizers, SnacksCuisine: FilipinoDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories per Serving

160

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

This easy Tortang Sardinas with Malunggay recipe combines the flavors of canned sardines and nutrient-rich Malunggay leaves to create a delicious, budget-friendly Filipino dish perfect for any meal.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

US Metric

• 155 grams 155 grams Canned Fried Sardines (hot and spicy)

• 2 cups 2 Malunggay Leaves

• 20 grams 20 grams Carrots (chopped)

• 1 medium 1 medium Red Onion

• 4 cloves 4 cloves Garlic

• 3 3 Eggs

• Salt and Pepper to taste

• Cooking Oil

Directions

• Prep Your Ingredients
• Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare your ingredients. First, finely chop the onion, garlic, spring onion, and carrots and remove the stems from the malunggay leaves.
• Create the Sardine Mixture
• Combine the sardines, onion, garlic, spring onion, carrot, and malunggay leaves in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients well, ensuring that the flavors blend harmoniously.
• Crack the eggs into the sardine mixture and mix well.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook Your Tortang Sardinas
• Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add some oil.
• Once the oil is hot, pour the sardine mixture into the pan, forming a large, round patty. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown.
• Flip the torta and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until fully cooked.
• Serve Tortang Sardinas with steamed rice and dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Recipe Video

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