Heat the Sardines: Open the pouch carefully and transfer the fillets to a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the fish evenly in the tomato sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the fillets intact and tender.

Prepare the Bread: While the sardines are warming, toast the bread slices until golden and crisp. For extra flavor, rub each slice with the peeled garlic clove while the bread is still warm. You can also drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil for added richness.

Assemble: Place the warm toasted bread on serving plates. Spoon the hot sardines with their tomato sauce generously over the toast, ensuring each slice gets a balanced amount of fish and sauce.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil if desired. Serve immediately while warm. To eat, use a knife or fingers to lift the sardine fillet and sauce onto a piece of toast, enjoying the perfect combination of tender fish, tangy sauce, and crisp bread.