Danish Fish Dumplings in Parsley Sauce (Fiskeboller i Persillesovs)
Delicate fish dumplings, often made with cod or other white fish, served in a classic creamy parsley sauce. This dish highlights the freshness of Danish seafood and the comforting nature of traditional Danish home cooking.

🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Cod fillets(skinless and boneless, finely minced or processed)
- 1 large Egg
- 100 ml Heavy cream
- 50 g Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp White pepper
- 30 g Butter
- 30 g All-purpose flour
- 500 ml Milk
- 0.5 cup Fresh parsley(finely chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the fish dumplings: Combine the minced cod, egg, heavy cream, breadcrumbs, salt, and white pepper in a bowl. Mix well until a cohesive mixture forms.
💡 Tip: Ensure the fish is very finely minced for tender dumplings. - 2
Shape the mixture into small, uniform balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
💡 Tip: Lightly wet your hands to make shaping easier. - 3
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop the fish dumplings into the simmering water.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary. - 4
Simmer the dumplings for about 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes💡 Tip: The dumplings should be firm but tender. - 5
For the parsley sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
💡 Tip: Use a whisk for a smooth sauce. - 7
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, salt, and white pepper to taste. Add the cooked fish dumplings back into the sauce and heat gently for a few minutes.
💡 Tip: Add parsley at the end to preserve its fresh flavor and color.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Serve with boiled potatoes and a side of pickled beets for a traditional Danish meal.
- ✓If you don't have cod, other firm white fish like haddock or pollock can be used.
- ✓For a lighter sauce, use low-fat milk and omit the cream.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for warmth.
- Incorporate finely chopped chives along with the parsley.
- A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor of the sauce.