Small fish meat

Fish Meatballs – A Delicious and Healthy Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Fish meatballs are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pork or beef meatballs. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a tasty meal with high nutritional value. The preparation is simple, and the final result will delight you. Over time, fish meatball recipes have gained popularity, becoming a preferred choice in many households, especially during the warm season when barbecues are common.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g fish fillet (preferably carp or herbivorous fish)
- 1 medium onion
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- ½ cup freshly chopped parsley
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for extra spiciness)
- 3-4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A little cumin (for flavor)
- Meatball seasoning (optional)

Ingredient details:
- Fish: Choose fresh, high-quality fillets. Carp and herbivorous fish are ideal due to their texture, but you can experiment with other types of fish as well.
- Parsley: This ingredient is rich in vitamins and minerals and plays an important role in the flavor of the meatball.
- Garlic and onion: These ingredients not only add flavor but also provide essential antioxidants.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the fish: Start by placing the fish fillets in a bowl of cold water, adding a teaspoon of salt and lemon juice. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This step helps eliminate the specific smell of fish and improves its texture.

2. Chopping the ingredients: After the fish has soaked, drain it well. Then, add it to the food processor along with the onion, garlic, parsley, and hot pepper. Process everything until you get a smooth paste, but not too fine, to maintain a pleasant texture.

3. Seasoning: Add the breadcrumbs, oil, salt, pepper, and cumin. Mix gently to combine well. This mixture will become the delicious base for your fish meatballs.

4. Cooling the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This will help blend the flavors and make it easier to form the meatballs.

5. Shaping the meatballs: Once the mixture has cooled, wet your hands with a little water and shape the mixture into meatballs, ensuring they are of uniform size. They will have a pleasant texture and will cook evenly.

6. Cooking: You can choose to grill the meatballs or fry them in a pan. If you opt for the pan, make sure it is well heated and lightly oiled. Fry the meatballs over medium heat, carefully turning them to brown evenly without drying them out.

7. Serving: Serve the fish meatballs with a garlic sauce and tomato juice, alongside a side of boiled potatoes or French fries. A fresh green salad or mashed potatoes pairs perfectly, bringing a contrast of textures and flavors.

Useful tips:
- Oil: Use olive oil for a more intense and healthy flavor.
- Flavors: If you want a more exotic taste, add spices like paprika or coriander.
- Oven version: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Delicious combinations:
The fish meatball pairs wonderfully with a pale beer or a dry white wine that complements the delicious flavors of the dish. Additionally, a gin-based cocktail with tonic is an excellent choice for a summer barbecue evening.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen fish?: Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before use.
- Can I make fish meatballs with another type of fish?: Of course, you can experiment with different types of fish, but be careful to choose one with firmer flesh.
- How long can I keep the meatballs?: Ideally, you should consume them fresh, but you can keep the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

This fish meatball recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also provide beneficial nutritional value, making it a perfect choice for meals with family or friends. Enjoy!