Savory Spinach & Feta Fish Bites
Inspired by the delightful Chef Jamie Geller, these savory spinach and feta fish bites are a perfect appetizer for any occasion. Combining the tender texture of defrosted gefilte fish with the rich flavors of creamy feta cheese and nutrient-packed spinach, each bite is a burst of deliciousness. It's an easy-to-make recipe that comes together quickly, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve warm with a lemon wedge for an added zing, or skewered for a family-friendly treat! For a visual guide, check out Jamie's cooking demo on Aish.com!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
gefilte fish
20 ounces (completely defrosted)
feta cheese
8 ounces (crumbled into large pieces)
frozen chopped spinach
1/3 cup (thawed and squeezed dry, can use fresh)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme))
breadcrumbs
2/3 cup (divided)
cracked black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
extra virgin olive oil
3 teaspoons (divided, can use garlic infused oil)
butter or margarine
1 tablespoon (divided)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the defrosted gefilte fish, crumbled feta cheese, thawed and drained spinach, minced garlic, and chopped thyme. Mix thoroughly.
2
Gradually fold in 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs until the mixture is well combined.
3
On a baking sheet, evenly spread out the remaining breadcrumbs for coating the fish bites.
4
Using about 2 teaspoons of the fish mixture per piece (a meatballer tool can help maintain uniform size), shape into small balls with damp hands, then roll each ball in the breadcrumbs to coat completely.
5
In a large skillet, heat half of the butter and half of the olive oil over medium heat.
6
Working in batches, add the breaded fish balls to the skillet and sauté until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Ensure they cook evenly by turning them as needed.
7
Once browned, transfer the cooked fish bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
8
Repeat the sautéing process with any remaining fish balls, adding the rest of the butter and olive oil as necessary.
9
Serve the fish bites warm, garnished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can serve them neatly on bamboo skewers or with toothpicks for easy handling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Spinach & Feta Fish Bites?
Savory Spinach & Feta Fish Bites are a flavorful appetizer made from defrosted gefilte fish, feta cheese, and spinach, shaped into balls and sautéed until crispy.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Chef Jamie Geller.
What is the main protein used in this dish?
The main protein is 20 ounces of completely defrosted gefilte fish.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of feta cheese crumbled into large pieces.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, while the recipe suggests frozen chopped spinach, you can use fresh spinach instead.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The spinach should be thawed and squeezed dry before being added to the mixture.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
Can I use dried thyme?
Yes, if you do not have fresh thyme, you can substitute it with 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried thyme.
How many breadcrumbs are required in total?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of breadcrumbs in total, which are divided for mixing and coating.
What is the purpose of dividing the breadcrumbs?
One part (1/3 cup) is folded into the fish mixture for binding, and the remaining part is used to coat the outside of the fish bites.
Is there any seasoning besides garlic and thyme?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of cracked black pepper for added flavor.
What types of oil can I use for sautéing?
You can use extra virgin olive oil or garlic-infused oil.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine, divided for the sautéing process.
How do I mix the fish bite base?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fish, feta, spinach, garlic, and thyme, mixing thoroughly before folding in the breadcrumbs.
What is the recommended size for each fish bite?
Each piece should use approximately 2 teaspoons of the fish mixture.
How can I ensure the fish bites are uniform in size?
Using a meatballer tool can help maintain a uniform size for all the fish bites.
Should my hands be dry when shaping the bites?
No, it is recommended to use damp hands to help shape the mixture into small balls.
How are the fish bites coated?
Roll each shaped ball in the breadcrumbs spread out on a baking sheet to coat them completely.
What is the cooking method for this recipe?
The fish bites are sautéed in a large skillet until they are golden brown and crispy.
What heat setting should be used?
The skillet should be heated over medium heat.
How do I ensure the bites cook evenly?
Turn the fish bites as needed in the skillet to ensure they are golden and crispy on all sides.
Should I cook all the fish bites at once?
No, it is best to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
What should I do after removing the bites from the skillet?
Transfer the cooked bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
How should these be served?
Serve them warm, garnished with fresh lemon juice, either on skewers or with toothpicks.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, they are described as a perfect appetizer and party food that is easy to handle.
Are these bites family-friendly?
Yes, serving them skewered makes them a fun and family-friendly treat.
How much time does it take to make?
The recipe is described as coming together quickly, making it an easy-to-make option for busy hosts.
Where can I find a visual guide for this recipe?
A visual guide is available via Jamie Geller's cooking demo on Aish.com.
Can I add a zing to the flavor at the end?
Yes, serving the bites with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a lemon wedge adds a delicious zing.
What makes these bites nutrient-packed?
The addition of spinach provides a nutrient-packed boost to the savory fish and cheese combination.