Salted sardines (Slane srdele)

Slane srdele or salted sardines is a Croatian dish that is prepared from May to August. The dish uses fresh sardines and coarse sea salt. The salt is placed into an old tin or barrel, and the sardines are then layered over it. Another layer of salt is then added over the sardines, followed by another layer of sardines, but facing the opposite direction than those underneath.

The final layer is always salt, and the sardines are then covered with a wooden lid and a weight. Once assembled, salted sardines are stored in a dark and cold place for at least 3 months. During that period, the sardines will release water and fat.