Mediterranean Almond-Crusted Cod with Apricot Chutney
Indulge in the deliciousness of Mediterranean cuisine with this Almond-Crusted Cod accompanied by a tangy Apricot Chutney. Bursting with flavors and nutrition, this dish combines succulent cod, known for its omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health and mood enhancement, with a crunchy layer of almond crust that adds a delightful texture. The apricot chutney not only enhances the flavor profile but also carries stress-relieving properties, thanks to the natural sweetness of apricots and the vibrant acidity from the lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meal is prepared in under an hour, making it a simple yet elegant choice for those looking to enhance their culinary repertoire while nourishing their bodies.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried apricot
1/2 cup (diced)
lemon peel
1 two-inch piece (freshly cut)
whole grain mustard
4 teaspoons (none)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons (none)
ground black pepper
1 pinch (none)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
unsalted almond butter
1 tablespoon (none)
olive oil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cod fish fillets
4 (6-ounce) (fresh)
kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
sliced almonds
3/4 cup (blanched)
Instructions
1
Start by making the apricot chutney. In a small saucepan over high heat, combine the diced dried apricots, lemon peel, and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and most of the water is absorbed. Stir in the whole grain mustard, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and ground black pepper. Season with kosher salt to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3
In a small mixing bowl, blend the almond butter and 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil until well combined and smooth. This will serve as the adhesive for the almond crust.
4
Prepare the cod fillets by seasoning both sides with 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Using the back of a spoon, spread one-quarter of the almond butter mixture over the top of each fish fillet evenly.
5
Sprinkle the sliced almonds over each fillet, ensuring they are well-coated. Place the coated cod fillets onto the prepared baking sheet.
6
Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and the almonds are golden brown, making sure not to overcook to maintain the fish's moistness.
7
Once done, remove the cod from the oven and serve immediately, topped with a generous dollop of apricot chutney.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is fresh cod fish fillets.
How many cod fillets are required for this dish?
The recipe requires 4 cod fillets, each weighing approximately 6 ounces.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to bake the almond-crusted cod?
The cod should be baked for 10 to 12 minutes until it is opaque and the almonds are golden brown.
What are the ingredients for the apricot chutney?
The chutney consists of dried apricots, lemon peel, water, whole grain mustard, olive oil, white wine vinegar, ground black pepper, and kosher salt.
How do you make the adhesive for the almond crust?
The adhesive is made by blending 1 tablespoon of unsalted almond butter with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil until smooth.
What kind of almonds are used for the crust?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of blanched, sliced almonds.
What are the health benefits of eating cod?
Cod is known for its omega-3 fatty acids which promote heart health and mood enhancement.
Why are apricots considered stress-relieving in this recipe?
Apricots have stress-relieving properties due to their natural sweetness and the vibrant acidity when combined with lemon.
How do you prepare the dried apricots for the chutney?
The dried apricots should be diced before being combined with other ingredients in a saucepan.
What type of mustard is used in the chutney?
The recipe specifies 4 teaspoons of whole grain mustard.
How is the lemon peel prepared?
You should use one two-inch piece of freshly cut lemon peel.
What type of vinegar is needed for the apricot chutney?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of white wine vinegar.
How do you prevent the fish from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Where should the oven rack be placed?
The oven rack should be placed in the middle position.
What is the total preparation and cooking time?
The entire meal is prepared in under an hour.
How do you apply the almond butter mixture to the cod?
Use the back of a spoon to spread one-quarter of the almond butter mixture evenly over the top of each seasoned fish fillet.
Is the apricot chutney cooked?
Yes, the apricots and lemon peel are boiled in water for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens before adding the final seasonings.
How much water is needed for the chutney?
You need 1/2 cup of water to boil the apricots and lemon peel.
What kind of salt is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for kosher salt.
Can this recipe be considered Mediterranean?
Yes, it is specifically described as a Mediterranean-style dish.
What seasoning is applied directly to the cod fillets?
The fillets are seasoned with 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How do you know when the cod is finished cooking?
The cod is done when the meat is opaque and the almond topping has turned golden brown.
Does this dish contain dairy?
No, based on the ingredients list, this dish appears to be dairy-free.
What is the texture of the cod?
The dish features succulent, moist cod with a crunchy almond crust.
How should the dish be served?
The cod should be served immediately with a generous dollop of apricot chutney on top.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in the chutney?
Olive oil is stirred into the thickened apricot mixture to add richness and flavor to the chutney.
What provides the acidity in the apricot chutney?
The acidity is provided by the lemon peel and the white wine vinegar.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, it is described as an elegant choice that is also simple enough for weeknight dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients listed for this Mediterranean Almond-Crusted Cod recipe.