Merluzzo al forno alla mediterranea

Ingredienti

• 4 cod filets
• 1 teaspoon dried Greek Mediterranean blend
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 12-15 fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1/2 cup artichoke hearts
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced
• 1/3 cup red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh basil, to garnish
• Lemon wedges, to serve
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for vegetables)

Preparazione

1. 1

   Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the cod and vegetables, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture.

2. 2

   Prepare Cod: Pat the cod filets dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This step helps the seasoning stick better and prevents sogginess during cooking.

3. 3

   Season Cod: In a small bowl, mix together the Greek Mediterranean blend, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle half of this seasoning mix evenly over the cod filets, then drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the fish to coat.

4. 4

   Prepare Vegetables: Place the cherry tomatoes, trimmed asparagus, artichoke hearts, sliced olives, and red onion in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining half of the seasoning mix over the vegetables, drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and toss everything together to coat evenly.

5. 5

   Start Roasting Vegetables: Roast the vegetables alone in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This softens the vegetables and allows them to begin caramelizing, building flavor.

6. 6

   Add Cod and Continue Roasting: After the initial 10 minutes, place the seasoned cod filets on top of the partially cooked vegetables. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the cod is opaque, cooked through, and flakes easily with a fork.

7. 7

   Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil leaves for added texture and flavor. Serve warm with lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish to brighten the flavors.