I have actually eaten more anchovies in the last 20 years than sardines. I add them to salads, pizza, and pasta. I mash them up with garlic and tomato paste as an aromatic base in beef stews and similar dishes — I add them to fish stews as well and I occasionally finish off a half a can just with a cracker or two.
OMG the Nuri brand of Sardines in tomato sauce was like tasting my Noni’s sauce and the hairs on my arms stood up. They are expensive, but I have found a source that is about a 1/3rd less, I just have to go and buy them in bulk and stock up. Great on a salad BTW, pour it all over the Salad and add Balsamic Vinegar.