Cod with Spinach Gratin

Here is a recipe for a gratinated cod with spinach that combines delicious flavors with a crispy note.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 150-200 grams each)
• 400 grams of fresh or frozen spinach
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice to taste
• 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs to taste
• Nutmeg to taste (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. If you’re using fresh spinach, wash them thoroughly and blanch them in salted water for a few minutes, then squeeze them well to remove excess water. If you’re using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze them in the same way.
3. In a pan, heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic until golden. Add the spinach, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste and sauté briefly to flavor.
4. Oil a baking dish with a drizzle of oil and lay a layer of spinach at the bottom.
5. Place the cod fillets on top of the spinach and sprinkle with lemon juice; season lightly with salt and pepper.
6. Dust the fillets generously with grated Parmesan cheese and then with some breadcrumbs, which will help form a nice golden crust.
7. Drizzle everything with the remaining extra virgin olive oil.
8. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and gratinated and the cod is cooked but still moist inside.

Curiosity

Cod is a very versatile fish in the kitchen, and is rich in high-quality proteins. This dish is an excellent choice for those looking for a balanced meal with a good intake of healthy fats, thanks to extra virgin olive oil, and omega-3s, provided by the fish. In Italian tradition, especially in the South, fish au gratin is often enriched with flavors like parsley or oregano which you might decide to add for an extra touch.

Enjoy your meal!