
Mediterranean Pistachio-Herb Crusted Cod with Braised Fennel and Warm Tomato, Olive and Capers Sauce
An original Mediterranean main course featuring cod fillets baked under a crisp pistachio, parsley, and lemon crust, served over braised fennel and finished with a warm tomato, olive, and caper sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 600 g cod fillets (5 oz cada uno)
- 2 500 g fennel bulb (cut in wedges finos)
- 300 g cherry tomatoes (cut por the mitad)
- 80 g green olives (boneless and sliced)
- 25 g capers (escurridas)
- 60 g pistachios (pelados and chopped finely)
- 40 g breadcrumbs (preferiblemente fino)
- 20 g fresh parsley (chopped fino)
- 3 cloves garlic (1 grated and 2 thinly sliced)
- 1 unit lemon (30 ml de jugo)
- 100 g red onion (en pluma fina)
- 120 ml dry white wine (for brasear and desglasar)
- 120 ml vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 60 ml olive oil (divided)
- 2 g dried oregano
- 2 g sweet paprika
- 5 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and set aside.
- 2
In a bowl, combine the chopped pistachios, breadcrumbs, parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, 2 tbsp / 30 ml olive oil, dried oregano, and a pinch of black pepper until the mixture is moist and crumbly.
- 3
Heat a large oven-safe skillet or shallow braising pan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp / 15 ml olive oil and cook the red onion with the sliced garlic for 3 minutes, until starting to soften.
- 4
Add the fennel, 1/2 tsp salt, sweet paprika, and a little black pepper. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Pour in the dry white wine and vegetable broth. Cook for 2 minutes so the alcohol reduces slightly. Spread the fennel into an even layer in the pan.
- 6
Place the cod fillets over the fennel. Season lightly with the remaining salt and press the pistachio mixture on top of each fillet.
- 7
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake at 220 °C / 425 °F for 12 to 15 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the crust is golden.
- 8
Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp / 15 ml olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- 9
Add the green olives, capers, and lemon juice. Cook 2 minutes more, stirring gently, until you have a warm, juicy sauce.
- 10
Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes. Serve each fillet over the braised fennel and spoon the warm tomato, olive, and caper sauce over the top.
Chef tips
For an extra crisp crust, broil the fish for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely. If your cod fillets are especially thick, add 2 extra minutes of cooking time.
Substitutions
You can replace cod with hake or halibut. Pistachios can be swapped for almonds, and fennel for thin zucchini slices, though the flavor profile will change.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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