In her wonderful cookbook, Levana's Table - Kosher Cooking for Everyone, Levana Kirshchenbaum introduces this recipe for Moroccan Fish Cakes in Lemon Sauce as the Moroccan answer to gefilte fish.
Ingredients:
- FOR THE FISH CAKES
- 3/4 pound skinless, boneless fish fillets, such as cod, scrod, flounder, sole, tilapia or salmon, cut into big chunks
- 1/2 small onion
- 4 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, stems removed
- half of 1 beaten egg
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- dash of nutmeg
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
- FOR THE SAUCE
- 1 1/2 cups water
- pinch of saffron threads
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon capors
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Preparation:
1. Combine the fish, onion, parsley, egg, oil, lemon zest, nutmeg salt and pepper to taste in a food processor, and process until perfectly smooth. Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl, add the bread crumbs, and mix thoroughly. With wet hands, shape the fish mixture into 6 oval patties.2. Combine the water, saffron, turmeric, oil, lemon juice, and capers and bring to a boil in a heavy saucepan over high heat.
3. Add the fish patties to the pot and cook, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the patties to a platter. Reduce the liquid in the pot until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the mustard and stir until smooth. Pour the sauce over the patties. Serve warm or at room temperature.
YIELDS: About 5 first course servings
SOURCE: Levana's Table, by Levana Kirschenbaum. Recipe reprinted with permission from Levana Kirschenbaum.
