What is Gefilte Fish?

Many people (even Jews) ask, “What is Gefilte Fish.”  Unless you grew up eating this jewish food, you might not be inclined to pick it up off the shelf at your grocery store or supermarket.

Is Gefelte Fish?

So, is gefelte fish? Honestly, it doesn’t really look that appealing in the jars. It is usually in a jar filled with a watery, gel-like substance. It doesn’t really taste like fish, and many will say it tastes as bad as it looks.

Gefelte Fish Definition

Basically, Gefilte fish is a variety of fish and matzo meal formed into fish patties or balls.  The fish mixture can be whitefish, pike, carp, mullet, or others. More recently salmon has been added occasionally to jarred gefilte fish.

Gefelte Fish Pronunciation

I don’t know if it’s correct or not, but we pronounce gefelte fish as guh-fil-tuh fish.  Although some people say geh-fil-teh.

History of Gefilte Fish

Back in the days, poor Jewish families enjoyed Gifelte fish on Shabbat and other holidays because it was an inexpensive way of being able to eat fish.

Gefilte fish is often served on Passover seders since it usually contains matzoh meal.

Gefilte Fish in a Jar

There are a variety of brands of Gefilte Fish.  The most popular include Manischewitz Gefilte Fish and Rokeach Gefilte Fish. You can choose from a variety of fish mixes and packed either in jell or broth. It can be served on a bed of lettuce or other greens with a side of horseradish.  You can buy a jar of horseradish or make some at home.

These Jewish Fish Balls are relatively healthy, and good for you.  Here’s the label from a Manischewitz Gifelte Fish jar that is packed in broth.  One serving has 9 grams of protein and 80 calories.  And, it’s low it fat.

How to make Gefilte Fish

If you want to make Gefilte Fish at home here are a few traditional recipes I found. Usually ingredients include carrots, onions, pepper, salt, and eggs.

– Gifelte Fish – All Recipes
– Passover Gefilte Fish recipe – Food Network
– Classic Gefilte Fish (Pareve)