Cod with lemon parmesan cream

1. Prepare the cod:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (thermostat 6).
In a frying pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Season the cod fillets for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just to brown them lightly.
Carefully transfer the fish to an ovenproof dish and set aside.

2. Prepare the parmesan and lemon sauce:
In a small saucepan, heat the crème fraîche over low heat.
Add the grated parmesan, chopped garlic, mustard and lemon juice. Mix well to obtain a smooth sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the sauce from sticking.
Just before turning off the heat, stir in the lemon zest for a touch of freshness.

3. Oven cooking:
Pour the parmesan and lemon sauce generously over the cod fillets.
Place the dish in the oven and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Check that the fish is cooked through but still tender.
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few moments before serving.

4. Presentation and serving:
Arrange a cod fillet on each plate, topped with the creamy sauce.
Add a few sprigs of parsley for a touch of color.
Serve with steamed vegetables (broccoli, green beans) or mashed potatoes. For a lighter accompaniment, opt for basmati rice or quinoa.

Tips and variations
Cooking tip: For an even more tender fish, cover the dish with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
Cheese variation: Replace the parmesan with pecorino or gruyère to vary the flavors.
Lemony alternative: Add a pinch of Espelette pepper to the sauce for a spicy touch that enhances the freshness of the lemon.
Conclusion
Cod with Lemon Parmesan Cream is a dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Its perfect balance between the sweetness of the cod, the creaminess of the sauce and the liveliness of the lemon makes it irresistible. Try this recipe to surprise your loved ones or for a gourmet dinner that requires little preparation. Enjoy!