Bahraini Fish Kofta in Tahini Sauce
Delicate fish meatballs (kofta) simmered in a rich and creamy tahini sauce, infused with lemon and garlic. A flavorful and satisfying seafood dish representative of Bahrain's coastal culinary heritage.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g White fish fillets(such as cod, tilapia, or hammour, deboned and skinless)
- 1/2 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 2 Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil(for frying)
- 1/2 cup Tahini
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice
- 2 Garlic cloves(for sauce, minced)
- 1.5 cups Water or fish broth
- 1 pinch Pinch of paprika(for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Finely chop the fish fillets or pulse them in a food processor until coarsely ground. Be careful not to over-process into a paste.
💡 Tip: Using a food processor can speed up this step, but pulse gently. - 2
In a bowl, combine the ground fish with finely chopped onion, parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
💡 Tip: Overmixing can make the kofta tough. - 3
Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (kofta).
- 4
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Carefully place the kofta in the skillet and brown them on all sides. You may need to do this in batches.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; this ensures even browning. - 5
Remove the browned kofta from the skillet and set aside.
- 6
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic for the sauce and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
⏱️ 30 seconds - 7
Whisk in the tahini and lemon juice until smooth. Gradually whisk in the water or fish broth until you achieve a creamy sauce consistency. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
💡 Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more liquid. If too thin, simmer longer. - 8
Gently return the browned kofta to the simmering tahini sauce. Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the kofta are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with a pinch of paprika before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh, good-quality white fish for the best flavor.
- ✓Ensure the tahini is well-stirred before using.
- ✓The sauce should be creamy but not overly thick; adjust liquid as needed.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the tahini sauce for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini into the kofta mixture for added vegetables.