Introduction
If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with a delightful culinary experience, look no further than these delicious Fish Koftas paired with a refreshing Minted Yogurt. This recipe brings together the lightness of white fish, aromatic spices, and the creaminess of feta, all while being incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, the Fish Koftas beautifully combine flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Fish Koftas:
– 500g (1 lb) white fish fillets, skinless, cut into pieces
– 1 egg white
– 1/2 red onion, grated
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 1 teaspoon cooking salt (kosher salt)
– 1/2 cup rice flour (or cornflour/cornstarch)
– 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
– 70g (2.5 oz) Danish feta, plus extra for optional garnish
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Minted Yogurt:
– 3/4 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
– 1/2 cup tightly packed mint leaves
– 2 teaspoons lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon cooking/kosher salt
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Prepare Fish Mixture: Place the fish pieces and egg white in a food processor. Blend on high until smooth (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).
2. Add Flavorings: To the fish mixture, add grated red onion, minced garlic, cumin powder, coriander powder, cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, cooking salt, rice flour, and chopped parsley. Blend again on high until the mixture is smooth and paste-like (approximately 1 minute).
3. Incorporate Feta: Remove the blade from the processor. Gently fold in the crumbled Danish feta, ensuring the pieces remain intact.
4. Shape Koftas: With wet hands to prevent sticking, divide the mixture into 10 to 12 portions (about 70g or 1/3 cup each). Shape each portion into a 10cm (4-inch) long cylinder. Thread onto skewers and slightly flatten to about 1.75cm (2/3 inch) thick.
5. Cook Koftas: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook half of the koftas for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown, or until the internal temperature reaches 50°C (122°F). Remove the cooked koftas onto a plate and repeat with the remaining batch.
6. Prepare Minted Yogurt: In a tall jug suitable for a stick blender, combine plain yogurt, mint leaves, lemon juice, and cooking salt. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
7. Serve: Arrange the cooked fish koftas on a serving platter. Drizzle or serve with the minted yogurt on the side. Optionally, garnish with additional crumbled Danish feta and chopped parsley. Serve alongside Jewelled Rice Pilaf or plain basmati rice for a complete meal.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Fish Mixture:
Place the fish pieces and egg white in a food processor. Blend on high until smooth (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).
Add Flavorings:
To the fish mixture, add grated red onion, minced garlic, cumin powder, coriander powder, cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, cooking salt, rice flour, and chopped parsley. Blend again on high until the mixture is smooth and paste-like (approximately 1 minute).
Incorporate Feta:
Remove the blade from the processor. Gently fold in the crumbled Danish feta, ensuring the pieces remain intact.
Shape Koftas:
With wet hands to prevent sticking, divide the mixture into 10 to 12 portions (about 70g or 1/3 cup each). Shape each portion into a 10cm (4-inch) long cylinder. Thread onto skewers and slightly flatten to about 1.75cm (2/3 inch) thick.
Cook Koftas:
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook half of the koftas for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown, or until the internal temperature reaches 50°C (122°F). Remove the cooked koftas onto a plate and repeat with the remaining batch.
Prepare Minted Yogurt:
In a tall jug suitable for a stick blender, combine plain yogurt, mint leaves, lemon juice, and cooking salt. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve:
Arrange the cooked fish koftas on a serving platter. Drizzle or serve with the minted yogurt on the side. Optionally, garnish with additional crumbled Danish feta and chopped parsley. Serve alongside Jewelled Rice Pilaf or plain basmati rice for a complete meal.
Notes
Fish Options:
You can use any white fish fillet such as cod, haddock, or tilapia for this recipe.
Vegetarian Version:
For a vegetarian option, consider substituting the fish with mashed chickpeas or firm tofu.
Herb Variations:
Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as dill or cilantro, in the koftas for varied flavor profiles.
Storage:
Leftover koftas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and they can be reheated in a pan over medium heat.
Serving Suggestions:
These koftas pair well with various side dishes, such as salads or grilled vegetables.
Cook techniques
Blending
Utilize a food processor to blend the fish and egg white until the mixture is smooth. This ensures that the kofta has a consistent texture, allowing the flavors to meld well together.
Incorporating Flavorings
Add various spices and aromatics to the blended fish mixture to enhance the flavor profile. Continue blending until the mixture achieves a smooth and paste-like consistency.
Folding Ingredients
After blending, gently fold in the crumbled Danish feta using a spatula to maintain the feta’s integrity and texture within the kofta mixture.
Shaping
Use wet hands to shape the kofta mixture into cylindrical forms. This technique prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands, allowing for easier handling.
Pan Cooking
Heat oil in a non-stick pan and cook the koftas until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Ensure they reach the appropriate internal temperature for safe consumption.
Blending Minted Yogurt
Combine yogurt, mint leaves, lemon juice, and salt in a tall jug and use a stick blender to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, enhancing the dish with a refreshing dip.
FAQ
Can I use frozen fish fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets, but ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before blending.
What can I substitute for Danish feta?
If Danish feta is unavailable, you can use any soft cheese like goat cheese or ricotta, keeping in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
How can I make koftas spicier?
To increase the spice level, consider adding chopped fresh chili peppers or additional ground spices such as cayenne pepper or paprika to the fish mixture.
Can I grill the koftas instead of pan-frying?
Yes, koftas can be grilled. Preheat the grill and ensure it’s well-oiled to prevent sticking; cook until golden and fully cooked through.
What can I serve with fish koftas?
Fish koftas pair well with Jewelled Rice Pilaf, plain basmati rice, or a fresh salad to balance out the dish. You can also serve them with pita bread or in wraps.
Conclusion
The Fish Koftas paired with Minted Yogurt make for a delightful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of spices and the creamy texture of the yogurt elevate the flavors, creating a satisfying yet light meal. These koftas can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main dish served alongside rice or salad. With their unique taste and appealing presentation, they are sure to impress your guests.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Koftas
Try replacing fish with a medley of grated vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, and spinach, mixed with the same spices and feta cheese for a delicious vegetarian option.
Spicy Fish Tacos
Use the fish kofta mixture to create spicy fish tacos. Serve in corn tortillas topped with shredded cabbage, diced avocado, and a drizzle of minted yogurt.
Grilled Kofta Platter
Serve the fish koftas with a variety of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini. Drizzle with a tahini sauce for added creaminess.
Rice Bowl Remix
Transform the meal into a rice bowl by serving the koftas over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, topped with fresh herbs, sliced radish, and a generous dollop of minted yogurt.
Herbed Pita Wraps
Wrap the fish koftas in warm pita bread along with lettuce, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dill for a flavorful and easy-to-eat wrap.
