Italian > Northern Italian

Polenta e Merluzzo Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cod fillets
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Skillet
- Tongs

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and slowly whisk in 1 cup of polenta. Reduce heat to low and continue to whisk until the polenta thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cover and keep warm.

3. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

4. In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

5. Dredge 4 cod fillets in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

6. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the cod fillets to the prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake the cod fillets for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.

8. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

9. Add 1/4 cup of white wine, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

10. To serve, spoon the polenta onto plates and top with a cod fillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the cod fillet and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Polenta: Low heat
Oven: 400°F
Skillet: Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 427
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 1037mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Polenta: Cornmeal
- Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese
- Cod fillets: Haddock, tilapia, or any white fish
- White wine: Chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Lemon juice: Lime juice or white wine vinegar

Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the garlic butter sauce.
- Top the cod fillets with a tomato and basil salsa.
- Substitute the polenta with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to whisk the polenta continuously to prevent lumps.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the cod fillets from sticking.
- Let the cod fillets rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure they are cooked through.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover polenta and cod fillets in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the polenta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen it up. Reheat the cod fillets in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the polenta and cod fillets on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Garnishes:
Chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges

Pairings:
- White wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Salad with a lemon vinaigrette

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the polenta is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
- If the cod fillets are sticking to the skillet, add more oil to the pan.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the cod fillets to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Store any leftover food in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal. It originated in Northern Italy and was a staple food for peasants. Cod is a popular fish in Italian cuisine and is often served with garlic butter sauce.

Flavor profiles:
The polenta is creamy and cheesy with a hint of black pepper. The cod fillets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with a mild flavor. The garlic butter sauce is rich and tangy with a hint of white wine and lemon.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the polenta and cod fillets with a side of roasted vegetables and a glass of white wine for a delicious and comforting meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Herbaceous, Aromatic