Ingredients

8 medium whole fresh sardines (about 1 pound total), gutted, rinsed inside and out, and patted dry

1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

3/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

6 inch baguette (about 4 ounces), cut diagonally into 16 thin slices

1 garlic clove, peeled

Vegetable-oil cooking spray

1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

Preparation

Brush both sides of fish using 1 tablespoon oil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

Rub cut sides of bread with garlic. Brush with remaining oil, and sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper.

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Coat with cooking spray. Grill bread until crisp, about 1 minute per side. Grill sardines until cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Serve on a platter with bread and lemon wedges.