Step 1

Using a pestle and mortar, grind all the ingredients for the dersa to a rough paste.

Step 2

Chop the sardine fillets into small chunks and tip into a large bowl. Add the tomato, if using, herbs, the dersa and ¼ tsp each sea salt and black pepper, and mix well. The mixture will be quite wet.

Step 3

Shape the mixture into small fishcakes (about 50g each) and dust generously in the semolina or flour. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat, then fry the fishcakes on both sides for around 3 mins until golden brown. Serve two or three fishcakes per person with salad, if you like.