How to eat sprats Astara ?

What are sprats?

The sprat is a fish similar to a small herring or sardine, with a bluish back and silvery belly. Traditionally considered a delicacy in Eastern Europe, sprats have become increasingly popular in France in recent years.

Sprat is widely distributed in the Norwegian fjords and the North Sea. Sprat fishing is done with purse seines, a sustainable fishing technique. It allows the fish to be selected to avoid discards and waste. Sprat fishing is done on the surface and thus avoids touching the seabed and disturbing the ecosystem.

On the preparation side, the sprats Astara are cleaned, sorted and packed by hand, smoked in the traditional way with alder wood in Riga, Latvia.

Sprat is packed with nutritional qualities! It is particularly rich in protein, omega-3, vitamin D and selenium.

How to use sprats Astara ?

As with sardines, the bones of the sprat are imperceptible. Smoked with alder wood, the sprats Astara are then marinated in oil to preserve their melting qualities. In a salad or on toast, accompanied by butter for a traditional tasting.

Smoked sprats on a slice of bread Astara

Ingredients (for 2 people) :

  • 2 nice slices of country or Nordic dark bread
  • 1 tin of smoked sprats Astara
  • 30g Isigny cream
  • ½ yellow lemon
  • Olive oil
  • 1 pinch of chopped pink berries
  • Arugula shoots
  • Salt & pepper

Preparation :

  • Toast the slices of bread.
  • Mix the Isigny cream, the zest and juice of a ½ lemon, a dash of olive oil, the chopped pink berries, salt and pepper.
  • Spread on toasted bread slices.
  • Spread the smoked sprats on the toast and garnish with a few rocket shoots.
  • Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and enjoy without delay!

Rillettes of sprats 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tin of smoked sprats Astara
  • 2 shallots
  • ½ bunch of chives
  • 250g cream cheese
  • 1 dash of olive oil
  • Salt & pepper

Preparation:

  • Chop the shallots and chives. Mix with the cream cheese and season with salt, pepper and olive oil.
  • Roughly remove the skin from the sprats (it comes off by itself!) and crumble the flesh.
  • Mix the sprat meat with the seasoned cream cheese.
  • Cover the bowl with cling film and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  • Serve on toast, in half an avocado or as a "dip" with vegetables!