Description
Baked Gefilte Fish is a traditional Jewish delicacy that transforms ground fish into a delicate, seasoned loaf. This version combines the convenience of a pre-made fish loaf with homestyle preparation, enhanced with aromatic spices like paprika, garlic, and nutmeg. The dish is baked on a bed of carrots and onions, creating a moist, flavorful result that’s perfect for holiday meals or Shabbat dinners. Served chilled with classic accompaniments like beet horseradish and garnished with microgreens, this gefilte fish offers a modern take on a beloved traditional dish.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen sweet gefilte fish loaf (22 oz) from brands like Ungar’s, Raskin’s, or A&B
- 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 medium carrots, peeled
- ½ onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (optional)
For serving and garnish:
- Beet horseradish
- Microgreens
- Matzo-style crackers (if making mini appetizer bites)
Instructions
For Using Pre-Made Loaf:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Layer sliced onions at the bottom of an 8×4 inch loaf pan
- Place the frozen gefilte fish loaf on top of onions
- Drizzle with olive oil
- Season with paprika, garlic powder, nutmeg, and black pepper
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour
- Remove foil and bake for additional 20 minutes until golden brown
- Let cool for 30-60 minutes
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before slicing
For Making Homemade Loaf:
- Filet and skin approximately 5 pounds of fish (carp, whitefish, or pike)
- Cut filets into 2-inch pieces
- Grind fish using a food processor or metal grinder attachment until finely chopped
- Process carrots, onion, and parsley until finely chopped
- Combine ground fish with processed vegetables
- Add eggs, matzo meal, chives, and salt
- Mix thoroughly by hand
- Divide mixture into 12 equal portions
- Shape each portion into 4-inch oval patties (1.5-2 inches thick)
- Follow steps 1-9 from the pre-made loaf instructions above for baking
Notes
The recipe includes matzo meal in the homemade version, making it not suitable for gluten-free diets unless modifications are made. The recipe provides instructions for both using a pre-made loaf and making it from scratch with fresh fish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish