Get mega nutrients in sardines for strong immunity

Canned sardines have long been a staple in most Filipino households for good reason. Not only is it among the least expensive fish in the market, it is also easily available in most stores. One can eat it straight from the can or transform it into a variety of delicious dishes and spreads. Whether packed in olive oil or tomato sauce, there are different flavors or ways for everyone to enjoy sardines.

Sardines may be small, but it is rich in nutrients. It is a great source of omega 3, which is good for the heart. Eating fish as part of a regular diet decreases the risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke. Sardines provide protein and Vitamin D too, which are nutrients that give the body energy and help strengthen the immune system. It also has calcium that promotes strong and healthy bones.

With those health benefits in mind, why not try adding a different and exciting twist to the usual ginisang sardinas recipe? To help you amp up your sardines cooking game, we’ve prepared two recipes that you might be interested in trying out.

SIZZLING SARDINES WITH MUSHROOMS

Ingredients:

• Mega Sardines in Tomato Sauce with Chili (red)  
• 1 small can Mega Prime Pieces and Stems Mushrooms
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped 
• 2 pcs finger chilis, sliced 
• 1 tsp chili flakes to taste 
• 1 tsp liquid seasoning or soy sauce 
• 1-2 pcs calamansi, for serving 
• 1 tbsp butter or margarine for brushing the sizzling plate

1. Sauté the onions and garlic with some oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced finger chilis and 1 can of Mega Prime Pieces and Stems Mushrooms.
2. Add the Mega Sardines in Tomato Sauce with Chili.
3. Season it with liquid seasoning or soy sauce, and chili flakes.
4. Heat the sizzling plate and brush it with the butter and pour in the sautéed Mega Sardines and mushrooms.
5. Serve with calamansi on the side.

CREATIONS SARDINES REBOSADO

Ingredients:

• Mega Creations Spanish- Style Sardines, drained 
• 2 cups oil for frying 
• ½ cup all-purpose flour 
• ¼ cup cornstarch 
• 1 cup Annatto (atsuete) water (annatto seeds soaked in water) 
• 1 cup fried camote sticks, for sides 
• 1 cup fried kangkong leaves for sides 
• Salt and Pepper to taste 
• Your choice of dipping sauce (for the fried kangkong)

1. Mix the flour, cornstarch and annatto water in a mixing bowl and season it with some salt and pepper.
2. Heat the oil in a medium frying pan over medium high heat.
3. Dust the drained Mega Creations Spanish Style Sardines individually with some flour then dip them in the batter.
4. Fry the sardines in the pre-heated oil until they become golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain them with some paper towels then arrange them on to a serving platter with the fried camote sticks and fried kangkong then serve it with your choice of dip on the side.

There is another reason to love canned sardines. Since they are tasty, affordable, and healthy, canned sardines can help close the nutritional gap in poor Filipino communities. With the ongoing pandemic, everyone must be extra vigilant when it comes to their health.

Mega Global, maker of the Filipino favorite Mega Sardines, has stepped up to answer this challenge. Inspired by the value of “malasakit,” Mega Global has launched their Mega Bigay Sustansya sa Pasko program that aims to feed 100,000 nutritious meals to Filipino families all over the country.

Headed by the Mega Tiu Lim Foundation, Mega Global’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, and in partnership with the Nutrition Center of the Philippines and Reach Out Feed Philippines, the program spans for 30 days of meal planning and distribution in different underprivileged communities. Its meal plans are carefully designed to provide optimum nutrition, while the program also keeps track of the participants’ health improvements until the end of 2020. The Mega Bigay Sustansya sa Pasko program hopes to improve the lives of Filipinos through proper health education and good nutrition, one sardine dish at a time.

Being a delicious and affordable source of nutrition is enough to give canned sardines a more permanent spot in any Filipino pantry. As a crucial ingredient in helping eliminate hunger and malnutrition in the country, this amazing fish is now given the recognition it deserves.

Mega Global has invited fellow Filipinos to take part in the food program. Consumers can help the cause by purchasing any of the National Sardines Day Bundles from the Mega Online Store and its respective e-commerce sites or by donating directly to the Mega Tiu Lim Foundation. Visit Mega’s official website to learn more about the Mega Bigay Sustansya sa Pasko Program. You can also follow Mega  Sardines’ Facebook page for updates.