Start by cleaning and prepping the sardines. Remove their heads and guts, then rinse under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.

In a pressure cooker or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.

Gently place the sardines in the pan, ensuring they don’t break apart. Season with salt and pepper, then add the tomato sauce, making sure that the sardines are covered with sauce.

If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 5-7 minutes. If using a skillet, let it simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes or until the sardines are cooked through.

Once cooked, carefully release the pressure if using a pressure cooker or simply turn off the heat for the skillet. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness.

Serve the sardines hot with a side of steamed rice or fresh bread to soak up that delicious sauce!