Baked Fresh Cod with Gremolata Breadcrumbs

Gremolata is simply a herb mixture that you can use on almost any dish.  It almost always contains lemon zest and parsley.  With the addition of fresh garlic, it's delicious on top of roasted cauliflower and adds a crunchy element to this baked cod.  The best thing about this dish is that you mix all the ingredients in the baking pan.

Baked Fresh Cod with Gremolata Breadcrumbs

2 lbs. fresh cod fillets

6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Juice of a large lemon (about 3 Tbsp.)

1/2 cup white wine

3 plump garlic cloves, crushed and peeled

1/2 cup fresh, dry bread crumbs

Zest of a large lemon (about 2 tsp.)

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

Fresh lemon slices, for serving

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Lightly salt the fish on both sides,  Pour 3 Tbsp. of the olive oil, lemon juice, white wine and 1/4 tsp. salt into the baking dish and whisk together well.

Drop in the garlic cloves, and stir with the dressing.  Lay the fillets in the dish, turn them around and swish them in the dressing so both sides are moistened.

Toss the bread crumbs in a bowl with lemon zest, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes and 1/2 tsp. salt.  Drizzle with the remaining 3 Tbsp. olive oil, and toss the crumbs well until evenly moistened.

Spoon the seasoned bread crumbs on top of the fillets in a light, even layer.

Bake uncovered, until the crumbs are crisp and golden and fish is cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Spoon juices left in the baking dish over the fish and serve hot with lemon slices.

~Lidia Cooks