Italian fish meatballs

Polpette di pesce, are crispy and aromatic fishballs, the size of a plump walnut, prepared with cod and flecked with thyme and parsley.  Whether fried, baked or stewed with tomato, these tiny beauties are easy and fun to make and super delish. A dish that everyone likes.

Bite-sized polpette di pesce is super versatile. Here are some ways to serve them.

• Serve with lime wedges as a starter.
• Serve with a crisp green salad for lunch, drizzled with some pesto sauce.
• Make a fish meatball sub. Place a few of the fishballs stewed in tomato sauce inside a kaiser bun topped with some cheese. Grill till cheese just melts.
• Serve over spaghetti drenched with tomato sauce and grated parmesan. Polpette di pesce is not traditionally served with pasta but hey, how does that matter. Tastes awesome. 

If you want a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs. Once prepped, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, sprinkle with a little oil and bake in a preheated oven at 425 ° F for 12-15 minutes.

Polpette di pesce al sugo or fishballs stewed with tomatoes make for an even tastier meatball. Fry the prepared fishballs in hot oil for a couple minutes per side. Then immerse them in the pan of tomato sauce and cook for 15 minutes till plump.

Italian fish meatballs 

Ingredients: (Makes 24)

2 lbs skinless fish fillets (I used cod)
2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed well
1 small red onion, chopped fine
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves of garlic, minced
½ tsp lime zest
4 tbsp parmesan, grated
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped fine
2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
1 tbs Italian seasoning
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

1. Steam the fish until it flakes easily,, about 10 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly, then flake with a fork.
2. In a bowl combine the fish, mashed potato, chopped onion, egg, cilantro, Italian seasoning, parmesan, lime zest, garlic, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Combine the mixture well. 
3. Take handfuls of the mixture and shape into small balls. Roll over bread crumbs and set aside.
4. Place the prepared fish balls in the fridge, covered for about half an hour. (see note below)
5. Heat the oil in a  deep pan to medium high heat (till breadcrumb sizzles and turns golden when dropped). Deep fry the fish cakes in batches, turning around until golden and crispy on all sides.
6. Drain on paper towel and serve hot with lime wedges.

Note: Chilling the meatballs helps to set the shape and makes it easier to fry. It is a great make ahead tip for when you are serving fish balls for a party. Prep the fish balls till this stage and refrigerate the day before. Just fry before serving.