Oven-baked Breaded Cod with Swiss Chard, Potatoes, and Carrots

Here is an Italian version of the oven-baked breaded cod dish with Swiss chard, potatoes, and carrots.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 150-200g each)
• 200g of breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 bunch of fresh parsley
• 600g of Swiss chard
• 500g of potatoes
• 300g of carrots
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh rosemary (optional)

Preparation

1. Preparation of the cod:

   • Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
   • In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with finely chopped garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil.
   • Brush the cod fillets with a little oil, then cover them with the previously prepared aromatic breadcrumbs mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
   • Place the fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

2. Preparation of the vegetables:

   • Clean the Swiss chard by removing the hard parts and washing it thoroughly.
   • Peel the potatoes and carrots and cut them into cubes or slices, according to preference.
   • Boil the carrots and potatoes in separate pots until they are tender but still firm. In a third pot, cook the Swiss chard for about 10 minutes in boiling salted water.
   • Drain the vegetables and season with oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of chopped fresh rosemary, and if you like a squeeze of lemon (especially on the Swiss chard).

3. Completion of the dish:

   • Once the cod and vegetables are cooked, plate by placing a bed of Swiss chard on the bottom, flank with the potatoes and carrots, and top with the breaded cod fillet.
   • Serve warm, with a slice of lemon on the side for those who desire a fresher and tangy flavor.

Curiosity

Cod is a very versatile fish used in many recipes of Italian cuisine, from the famous “Baccalà alla vicentina” to “Cod alla Livornese”. Oven-breaded is a healthy and crispy choice that moves away from the more classic fried versions, without giving up flavor.

Enjoy your meal!