small handful of fresh chives, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, sliced
1 garlic clove, halved
2 lemons, finely grated zest only
1 small onion, thinly sliced
small bunch fresh flatleaf parsley, leaves only, finely chopped
285g/10oz piquillo peppers, chopped
1 red onion, thinly sliced
few sprigs fresh thyme
4 ripe tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, seeds removed and cut into 1cm/½in dice
6 large sardines, gutted and cleaned
4 bay leaves
3 tbsp black peppercorns
salt and freshly ground black pepper
400ml/14fl oz olive oil, or enough to cover the sardines
3–4 tbsp olive oil
extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
sea salt
pinch smoked paprika
4 large slices ciabatta