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Baked Cod with Creamy Mushroom & Leek Orzo Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Cleo
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

This delightful baked cod recipe features tender cod loin fillets coated in seasoned flour, pan-fried to a golden brown, and finished in the oven with fresh lemon and thyme. Served atop a creamy mushroom and leek orzo, enriched with crème fraîche and bright lemon zest, this dish blends comforting textures with vibrant flavors for an elegant yet easy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish:

  • 3 tbsp plain flour
  • 4 cod loin fillets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 lemon, zested and sliced
  • ½ small bunch of thyme

Orzo and Vegetables:

  • 2 leeks, sliced
  • 200g mushrooms, sliced
  • 300g orzo
  • 500ml low-salt stock
  • 2 tbsp crème fraîche

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cod: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/Gas mark 7. In a bowl, mix the plain flour with a pinch of seasoning. Dredge each cod loin fillet in the flour until evenly coated on all sides.
  2. Fry the Cod: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated cod fillets for about 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
  3. Bake the Cod: Transfer the fried cod fillets to a roasting tin. Nestle the lemon slices on top of the fish and sprinkle with half of the thyme. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to finish cooking through and infuse lemon and thyme flavors.
  4. Cook the Vegetables: While the cod is baking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced leeks and mushrooms and fry for about 5 minutes until softened.
  5. Prepare the Orzo: Add the orzo to the pan with the leeks and mushrooms, then pour in the low-salt stock. Cook over high heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  6. Finish the Orzo: Stir the crème fraîche and lemon zest into the orzo mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve: Plate the creamy mushroom and leek orzo, then top each portion with a baked cod fillet and garnish with the roasted lemon slices. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure the orzo is stirred continuously to avoid clumping or sticking during cooking.
  • Low-salt stock helps control sodium; however, adjust seasoning at the end to your preference.
  • You can substitute crème fraîche with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy finish.
  • Fresh thyme can be replaced with dried thyme—use about one-third the amount if substituting dried.
  • To keep this dish lighter, omit the crème fraîche or use a low-fat version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European

Keywords: baked cod, creamy orzo, mushroom orzo, leek orzo, fish recipe, healthy dinner, lemon thyme cod

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Find it online: https://cleobrixton.com/baked-cod-with-creamy-mushroom-and-leek-orzo-recipe/