Mom's Irresistible Sweet Galician Gefilte Fish
Step into the heart of tradition with my Mom's Irresistible Sweet Galician Gefilte Fish—an enchanting dish that has been the star of our family gatherings for generations. Despite countless attempts to replicate her magic, nothing quite captures the warm memories and unique flavors she brings to the table. Even those with a dislike for gefilte fish find themselves enchanted by its subtle sweetness, tender texture, and the joyful aroma wafting through the kitchen. Each bite transports you back to fond family meals shared over laughter and love. This recipe is my humble attempt at recapturing that cherished experience. Perfect for holidays or family gatherings, I hope it becomes a beloved part of your culinary tradition as well.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
white fish fillets
2 lbs (ground)
large onions
3 (ground into the fish mixture)
extra large eggs
6 (beaten)
salt
2 1/2 teaspoons (approximate)
sugar
3/4-1 cup (to taste)
black pepper
5 dashes (freshly ground)
matzo meal
2-2 1/2 cups (added gradually)
small onions
2 (sliced)
carrots
2 (sliced on a diagonal)
fish bones
optional (for flavor in broth)
water
enough to cover vegetables (added to broth)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground whitefish, ground onions, eggs, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to blend the mixture thoroughly until well incorporated.
2
For the brave, taste the raw mixture to adjust seasonings—ensure it has a delightful balance of sweetness and saltiness. If you prefer, skip this step and trust your instincts.
3
Gradually add the matzo meal into the fish mixture, mixing continuously until it reaches a thick yet slightly soft consistency that can still hold its shape. Aim for a texture similar to soft dough.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. For best results, leave it overnight to develop the flavors.
5
If freezing for later, shape the mixture into balls, loaves, or any desired shape before placing them in an airtight container. However, most find them too tempting to store away!
6
Prepare the broth by combining sliced onions, carrots, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large soup pot, adding enough water to cover the vegetables. Bring it to a rapid boil and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The broth should appear golden and have a sweet-salty flavor.
7
Once the broth is ready, form the fish mixture into your desired shapes—balls, cylinders, or loaves—and gently add them to the simmering broth.
8
Bring the pot back to a boil before reducing the heat to a very slow boil. Cover and let cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine beautifully.
9
After cooking, carefully remove the gefilte fish from the broth, letting it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature, accompanied by your favorite condiments.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Mom's Irresistible Sweet Galician Gefilte Fish.
What is the culinary style of this gefilte fish?
This recipe follows a sweet Galician tradition from Jewish cuisine.
How many pounds of fish fillets are needed?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of white fish fillets.
How should the white fish be prepared?
The white fish fillets should be ground.
How many large onions are used in the fish mixture?
Three large onions are ground into the fish mixture.
How many eggs are required for the mixture?
The recipe calls for 6 extra large beaten eggs.
How much salt is added to the fish mixture?
Approximately 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt are used.
What is the amount of sugar used in the fish mixture?
Between 3/4 and 1 cup of sugar is used to taste.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 5 dashes of freshly ground black pepper.
How much matzo meal is needed?
You will need between 2 and 2 1/2 cups of matzo meal.
How should the matzo meal be added to the mixture?
It should be added gradually while mixing continuously until it reaches a soft dough consistency.
How long should the fish mixture be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour, or ideally overnight for best results.
Is it safe to taste the raw fish mixture?
The instructions mention that you can taste the raw mixture to adjust seasonings, though this is optional.
Can I freeze the gefilte fish?
Yes, you can shape the mixture into balls or loaves and place them in an airtight container in the freezer.
What vegetables are needed for the broth?
The broth requires 2 small sliced onions and 2 sliced carrots.
How should the carrots for the broth be sliced?
The carrots should be sliced on a diagonal.
What optional ingredient can be added to the broth?
Fish bones can be added to the broth for enhanced flavor.
How much water is used to prepare the broth?
Add enough water to the pot to cover the onions and carrots.
How long does the broth need to simmer?
The broth should simmer for at least 30 minutes before adding the fish.
What should the broth look like when it is ready?
The broth should appear golden and possess a sweet-salty flavor profile.
Into what shapes can the gefilte fish be formed?
The fish can be shaped into balls, cylinders, or loaves.
How long do the fish pieces cook in the broth?
The fish cooks for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What is the cooking temperature for the fish?
After bringing the pot to a boil, the heat should be reduced to a very slow boil.
At what temperature should the gefilte fish be served?
It is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
What is the texture of this gefilte fish?
The recipe is known for its tender texture.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Tags include sweet, galician, family recipe, jewish cuisine, and holiday.
Is this recipe suitable for people who usually dislike gefilte fish?
Yes, the description notes that even those with a dislike for gefilte fish are often enchanted by this sweet version.
When is this dish traditionally served?
It is perfect for holidays or family gatherings.
What is the primary flavor profile of Galician gefilte fish?
It is characterized by a subtle sweetness and a sweet-salty broth.
Should the pot be covered while cooking the fish?
Yes, the pot should be covered during the 1 hour and 15 minutes of slow boiling.