Norwegian Herb-Crusted Cod with Creamy Dill Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces/170g each) 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces/170g each)
• 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Dip each cod fillet into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. 4.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated cod fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. 5.
   Transfer the cod fillets to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the crust is crispy.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, prepare the creamy dill sauce by combining the sour cream, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
7. 7.
   Serve the herb-crusted cod fillets with a generous drizzle of the creamy dill sauce on top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cod fillets — Choose fresh, high-quality cod fillets for the best flavor and texture. If fresh cod is not available, frozen cod can be used, but make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.
• Breadcrumbs — For a healthier option, use whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you can make your own breadcrumbs by toasting and grinding stale bread.
• Fresh herbs — Opt for fresh parsley and dill to enhance the flavors of the dish. If fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure a crispy crust, make sure the cod fillets are patted dry before dipping them in the beaten eggs.
• For a more intense herb flavor, add a pinch of dried herbs to the breadcrumb mixture.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the cod fillets without pan-frying them. Simply coat the fillets with the breadcrumb mixture and bake them directly in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes.
• Serve the dish with a side of boiled potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete Norwegian meal.
• If you don't have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a tangy and creamy sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Herb-Crusted Cod with Creamy Dill Sauce as the main course, accompanied by boiled potatoes and steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown herb-crusted cod fillets on a platter, drizzle the creamy dill sauce over them, and sprinkle some additional chopped fresh dill on top for a pop of color. Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing over the fish.