Fishing for Compliments

Sometimes I just get bored of making gefilte fish every Shabbos. Not least because my dear husband won't touch the stuff that comes in the freezer ready rolled, and there is a dearth of fishmongers in the area with sensible opening hours.

At times like these, I have a great standby - vegetable fishcakes. Just as low in points as gefilte fish, and actually much less of a palaver to make - no standing over a smelly pot for ages! These are equally nice served hot or cold, and would make an excellent light meal as well as a Friday night starter. They work out at between 1 and 2pp each, depending on how large you make them.

INGREDIENTS

200g potatoes, peeled
150g butternut squash, peeled and chopped
450g frozen plaice fillets - defrosted
1 onion
Salt and pepper to taste
4fld oz matzo meal or fine dried breadcrumbs
0.5 tsp paprika
2 medium eggs
0.5tsp baking powder

Boil the potatoes, onion and butternut squash in a pan of water for about 15 minutes. Add the plaice fillets and continue to cook for another 10 minutes. Drain and cool slightly. Blend the potatoes, vegetables and fish in a food processor and add the remaining ingredients. Roll into balls with damp hands and place on a greased baking tray. Spray the tops with frylight. Bake for 30 minutes on 160'c.

Makes approximately 20 - 24 fishcakes. Can be frozen.