Cod in Leek Leaf

Cod in leek leaf is an elegant and delicious dish that combines the delicate flavor of the fish with the sweetness of the leeks. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 150-200 grams each)
• 4 large leek leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon (for juice and grated zest)
• Aromatic herbs (such as thyme or parsley, optional)

Preparation

1. Start by thoroughly cleaning the leek leaves; to do this, cut off the roots and the darkest part of the green, then rinse the leaves under cold water. Make a light incision along the leaf to open it and flatten it. If the leaves are very large, you can cut them in half lengthwise.
2. Blanch the leek leaves in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately immerse them in ice water to stop the cooking and maintain a nice green color. Dry them carefully.
3. Prepare the cod fillets by drying them and seasoning with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil. You can also add some grated lemon zest and finely chopped aromatic herbs to further flavor.
4. Wrap each cod fillet with the blanched leek leaves, sealing well to create a “packet”.
5. Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan and cook the “packets” of cod and leek for a few minutes on each side, until the fish is cooked and the leek leaves have a slight crispness.
6. Serve the fillets immediately while hot, garnishing with lemon slices and a drizzle of raw oil if desired.

Interesting Facts

Cod is a very versatile fish in the kitchen, an excellent source of proteins and omega-3. Cooking in leek leaf is not only aesthetically pleasing but helps keep the fish moist and flavored. Moreover, using leek leaves as natural “parchment paper” is a nice way to add flavor and innovate the presentation of the dish.