Cod and Cheese Delight

This delicious cod and cheese delight features tender, flaky pieces of cod topped with a creamy and cheesy sauce, creating a rich and satisfying main course. The fish is lightly seasoned with lemon juice, salt, and pepper, allowing the subtle flavors to mingle beautifully with fresh parsley. Marinating the cod enhances its natural taste while ensuring perfect moisture retention during cooking. A light coating of flour and butter creates a golden crust, providing a desirable contrast to the velvety sauce. While the fish finishes cooking in the oven, the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, indulgent topping. Served with mashed potatoes, this dish is both comforting and elegant. The combination of textures and flavors is perfectly balanced, making this recipe a memorable meal for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or seeking a comforting family meal, this cod and cheese delight is sure to impress. Easy to prepare yet sophisticated, it's the ideal recipe for highlighting the natural beauty of fresh cod.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 400g cod fillet (with skin, boneless)
• 100g cream
• 30g butter
• 20g wheat flour
• 20g cheese, grated
• 1g citric acid dissolved in water
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

• Total: 140 minutes (Includes marinade time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by preparing the cod fillet. Cut it into portion-size pieces, ensuring that each piece is free of bones.
2. Prepare a citric acid solution by dissolving 1g of citric acid in water. This will add a subtle tang to the fish.
3. Drizzle the cod fillet pieces with the citric acid solution.
4. Season the fish with salt and pepper to your taste. Be generous but not overpowering.
5. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the cod to infuse it with fresh, herbaceous notes.
6. Allow the seasoned cod to marinate for two hours. This step intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the fish.
7. Once marinated, remove the cod pieces from the marinade and pat them dry with a paper towel.
8. Coat each piece of cod lightly with wheat flour, shaking off any excess.
9. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
10. Gently place the floured cod pieces into the pan and cook them until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
11. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.
12. Place the browned cod pieces into an ovenproof baking dish.
13. Pour the cream evenly over the cod, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
14. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the cream-coated cod.
15. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
16. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and created a golden crust.
17. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes to settle.
18. Serve the cod hot, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
19. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired, for a fresh pop of color.
20. Enjoy your beautifully baked cod and cheese delight!

Tips

• Substitute fresh cod with other white fish like haddock or pollock for variety.
• For added flavor, try using a blend of different cheeses.
• Ensure the butter is not too hot when frying to prevent burning the cod.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fats: 23g

Variations

• Use non-dairy cream for a lactose-free version.
• Try adding a dash of white wine to the cream for a deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• A crisp green salad is a refreshing addition.

Best Places

1. The Codfather Seafood & Sushi - Known for their fresh seafood dishes and sushi. Location: 37 Regent Road, Cape Town, South Africa.
2. Le Bernardin - Celebrated for its seafood dishes in a refined setting. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, USA.
3. Pidgin - Offers modern European-Asian fusion meals. Location: 52 Wilton Way, London, UK.
4. Quo Vadis - A stylish spot offering classic British cuisine. Location: 26-29 Dean Street, London, UK.
5. The Test Kitchen - Renowned for creative and artistic seafood dishes. Location: The Old Biscuit Mill, Cape Town, South Africa.
6. Hōseki - Known for luxurious seafood offerings in a lavish setting. Location: Bulgari Resort, Dubai, UAE.
7. St. John - Classic British with nose-to-tail dining. Location: 26 St John St, London, UK.
8. The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen - Lauded for their fantastic seafood offerings. Location: 32 Henrietta St, London, UK.
9. Chez Le Libanais - Features Lebanese dishes with fresh servings. Location: 35 Quai Saint-Louis, Paris, France.
10. Gaig Restaurant - Offers traditional Catalan cuisine with flair. Location: Carrer de la Còrsega, Barcelona, Spain.