| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 10g | 1.5g | 21g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 4g | 30g | 0.68g |
Why I Love Israeli Fish Falafel with Mint Yogurt Sauce
I’m absolutely captivated by this Israeli recipe called Fish Falafel with Mint Yogurt Sauce. Inspired by the international culinary scene that New York City offers, I am constantly discovering and appreciating different food cultures right in my hometown. This recipe is my latest endeavor into Israeli cuisine and rest assured, it certainly does not disappoint.
Inspiration Behind the Recipe
I was introduced to this recipe during my travels around Middle East. Watching locals create authentic dishes is something I always find inspiring. Big thanks to Yotam Ottolenghi, a renowned chef known for his Israeli cuisine, who has continually inspired my cooking style, though this specific recipe isn’t directly linked to him.
A Blend of Tantalizing Flavors
Fish Falafel with Mint Yogurt Sauce is a delightful blend of spices, herbs, and textures that make it uniquely Middle Eastern. This dish is particulary similar to shrimp cakes; they both use finely chopped seafood as a base, are seasoned with various herbs and spices and fried until golden brown.
What really sets this recipe apart from others is the combination of white fish, parsley, and cilantro. These main ingredients, together with essential Middle Eastern spices like cumin and coriander, are key to achieving that well-balanced, flavorful falafel. The fish provides a tender and mild-tasting base that absorbs the flavors of the spices and herbs perfectly. The tahini sauce included in the mix adds a subtle, rich, nutty note that really brings the falafel together.
The Perfect Complement: Mint Yogurt Sauce
No Fish Falafel is complete without the complimentary Mint Yogurt Sauce, a cool, creamy and bright contrast to the warmly spiced falafel. It’s a refreshing touch that beautifully complements the overall flavor of the dish while offering a sense of freshness.
I would love to recommend serving these fish falafels as an appetizer or a main course, paired with a simple salad or tucked into a warm pita bread for a satisfying sandwich. They work exceptionally well as a party snack or a Monday night dinner, bringing some variety to the usual meal rotation.
So there you have it – Fish Falafel with Mint Yogurt Sauce, a dish inspired by the bustling culinary streets of Israel, right in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless white fish fillets
- 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 2 tablespoons tahini sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- For the Mint Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the fish. Cut the fillets into small pieces and place them in a food processor. Add in the parsley, cilantro, onion, and garlic.
Step Two
Next, season the mixture in the food processor with the cumin, coriander, turmeric, baking powder, and some salt and pepper. Process everything together until you have a thick paste. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to make sure everything is properly mixed.
Step Three
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the chickpea flour and tahini sauce. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to form into falafel balls. If it’s too wet, you can add a bit more chickpea flour.
Step Four
Heat enough oil in a deep frying pan to submerge the falafel balls. Once the oil is hot, form the fish mixture into small balls and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
Step Five
Fry the fish falafel until they are golden brown and crispy. This will take about 5 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Step Six
While the falafel is frying, you can prepare the mint yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, fresh mint, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper until fully blended.
Step Seven
Once everything is ready, serve the fish falafel with the mint yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
