Palestinian Fish Meatballs (Kofta)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Resting Time
5 mins
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Total Time
43 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
433 kcal
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Course
Appetizer
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Cuisine
Palestinian
Palestinian Fish Meatballs (Kofta)
Description
Palestinian Fish Meatballs (Kofta) begin with cod fillets lightly pulsed to break down the texture but not pureed, blended with sautéed red and white onions, garlic, fresh parsley, dill, fresh chiles, lemon zest, egg, sumac, and a spice blend featuring cardamom, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne. The mixture is shaped into medium-sized meatballs, browned in oil, then briefly baked to cook through while retaining moisture.
The flavor combines the mildness of white fish with aromatic spices and herbs, delivering a savory and slightly tangy profile from sumac and lemon zest. Serving typically includes a spoonful of plain yogurt or labneh to offset the spice and add creaminess.
These meatballs can be prepared ahead up to forming before baking, allowing for meal planning. After cooking, they can be refrigerated and served warmed or at room temperature. This makes them a versatile dish for gatherings or everyday meals.
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups red onion diced (1 large, large
- 1 1/4 cups white onion diced (1 large, large
- 6 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 1/2 lbs cod skinless, boneless, cut into 1 1/4 inch chunks, fillets
- 2 red chile fresno or red jalapeño, 1 diced, 1 sliced into rings
- 3/4 cup parsley chopped, fresh
- 3/4 cup dill chopped plus few sprigs for garnish, fresh
- 1 lemon 2 tsp zest then cut into 6 wedges
- 1 egg large
- 2 tsp Fish Seasoning ingredients below, Baharat Samak
- 1 tbsp sumac
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
- 2/3 cup yogurt or Labneh, plain, Greek
Fish Spice Blend
- 2 tsp ground cardamom
- 2 tsp cumin ground
- 2 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika smoked or sweet
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Put 3 tablespoons of oil into a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- In a food processor, pulse the chunks of fish a few times until broken down a bit. Add the cooled onion mixture, chopped chile, herbs, lemon zest, egg, 2 teaspoons of the fish spice mix, sumac, salt and black pepper. Process again until finely chopped but not a complete paste.
- Using a 3 tbsp scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into about 16 meatballs.
- Put 2 tablespoons of oil into a large frying pan and place on a medium-high heat. Once hot, add the kofta and brown all over in batches of 2 or 3 and fry for about 4 minutes, turning often.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 4 or 5 minutes, until just cooked through. Remove from the oven and set aside for 5 minutes to slightly cool.
- To serve, spread the labneh or yogurt evenly on plate and top each with 3-4 cod meatballs. Sprinkle the kofta with sumac, dill sprig and sliced chile. Drizzle last tablespoon of oil over and serve, with a lemon wedges.
Fish Spice Blend
- Whisk together in a small bowl to combine. Store in an airtight container if not using right away. I like to blitz this mixture in a spice grinder to make the salt powdered and thoroughly mixed, but this is optional.
Notes
- Fish meatballs can be made up to a day in advance before baking.
- After cooking, serve immediately or refrigerate and serve warm or at room temperature next day.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 433 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 433kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 116mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 720mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 1166mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1969IU | 39% |
| Vitamin C | 80mg | 89% |
| Calcium | 145mg | 15% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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