Passover is a time of reflection, family, and delicious traditional foods. One of the most iconic dishes served during this holiday is Gefilte Fish, a dish made from ground fish, onions, and a blend of spices. While some may find the preparation process daunting, making Gefilte Fish can be a simple and enjoyable experience with the right recipe.
Gefilte Fish Ingredients
- 2 pounds of white fish fillets (such as carp, pike, or cod)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of matzo meal
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups of water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the fish fillets, chopped onion, eggs, matzo meal, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Using a food processor or a meat grinder, grind the fish mixture until it is smooth and evenly ground. This can also be done by hand with a mortar and pestle.
- Using wet hands, form the fish mixture into small oval-shaped balls, about 2-3 inches long. Place the balls on a plate or baking sheet and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the sliced carrots, celery, lemon, and bay leaves to the pot and stir.
- Carefully add the fish balls to the pot and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the fish balls are cooked through and tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fish balls to a serving platter.
- Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the vegetables and bay leaves. Allow the liquid to cool, then pour it over the fish balls.
- Cover the platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the gefilte fish is chilled and firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Serve the gefilte fish cold, garnished with fresh herbs or horseradish. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What fish is traditionally used in Gefilte Fish?
The most common fish in Gefilte Fish are carp, pike, and whitefish. However, you can also use other types of firm white fish, such as cod or haddock.
What’s the best way to grind the fish mixture?
You can use a food processor or a meat grinder to grind the fish mixture. If you don’t have either of these tools, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind the fish mixture by hand.
What is matzo meal, and where can I find it?
Matzo meal is a coarse flour made from matzo crackers. You can find it in the kosher section of most grocery stores or online. Alternatively, you can make your own by crushing matzo crackers in a plastic bag with a rolling pin.
Can I use this recipe to make vegetarian Gefilte Fish?
Yes, you can make vegetarian Gefilte Fish by using mashed chickpeas, carrots, and onions instead of fish. You can also substitute the eggs with flax eggs or tofu.
