Sardine Spread with Beet-Pickled Onions - Delicious Living

Ingredients

• 2 cups natural cane sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 (7-ounce) beet, broiled or roasted, peeled, and diced small
• 1/2 pound meaty fish fillets, such as California yellowtail, mahi mahi, or opah
• 1 1/2 tablespoons salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-2 whole Pacific sardines, scaled and gutted (or one 4.5-ounce can boneless, skinless sardines in water)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• Zest and juice of one lemon
• 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1/2 pound low-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)