Editor's note: This recipe was created by chef Einat Admony for an Israeli Passover menu.

　　Carp, a common ingredient in traditional Ashkenazi Jewish cooking, has become something of a rarity in the United States as cooks have stopped making dishes such as gefilte fish from scratch. In Israel, says chef Admony, this variety is still popular, used to make everything from Tunisian fish balls to Moroccan spicy fish. In this recipe, Admony riffs on classic gefilte fish, transforming the boiled dumplings into pan-fried cakes served with a creamy, piquant sauce.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 24 fish cakes

　　

For sauce

1 cup mayonnaise

　　4 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)

　　1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest (from 1 orange)

　　1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

　　1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　Pinch sugar

　　Pinch cayenne

　　

For fish cakes

2 pounds carp fillets, skinned and cut into 2-inch pieces

　　1 medium onion, finely chopped

　　2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

　　1 tablespoon mayonnaise

　　1 egg, beaten

　　2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

　　2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

　　1/3 cup matzoh meal

　　1 teaspoon salt

　　1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

　　1/2 cup or more vegetable oil (for frying)

　　1 tablespoon sea salt

　　

Make sauce

Step 1

In medium bowl, stir together all ingredients. Cover and chill.

　　

Make fish cakes

Step 2

Line large baking sheet with waxed paper.

　　

Step 3

Working in 2 batches, in food processor pulse carp until coarsely ground (do not purée to paste). Transfer to large bowl and add onion, cilantro, mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, and orange juice. Mix gently until well blended, then add matzoh meal, salt, and pepper and mix gently until incorporated.

　　

Step 4

Using wet hands, roll mixture into 1 1/4-inch-diameter balls and press into 1/2-inch-thick patties. Arrange on baking sheet with additional waxed paper between each layer of patties. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

　　

Step 5

In large heavy skillet over high heat, heat 1/4 inch oil. Working in batches of 5 and adding more oil as needed, fry patties until brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with sea salt while still hot. Serve warm with sauce.