Fresh Pacific cod, carrot puree, lemon dill aioli, Meyer lemon olive oil dressed micro greens

This elegant dish combines the delicate flavors of seared cod with a vibrant carrot puree, tangy lemon dill aioli, and a fresh micro green salad dressed with Meyer lemon olive oil. Here’s a step-by-step recipe for two, including preparation and cooking times, as well as the equipment needed.

Ingredients

For the Cod:

• 2 Pacific cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Carrot Puree:

• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon Dill Aioli:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Micro Green Salad:

• 2 cups micro greens
• 2 tablespoons Meyer lemon olive oil (or regular olive oil with a splash of Meyer lemon juice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation and Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Equipment Needed

• Cutting board and knife
• Peeler
• Medium saucepan
• Blender or food processor
• Small mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Non-stick skillet or sauté pan
• Spatula
• Tongs
• Mixing bowl for the salad

Preparation

1. Prepare the Carrot Puree

Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes

1. Chop the Carrots: Peel and chop the carrots into small pieces for quicker cooking.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Cook the Carrots: Add the chopped carrots to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the carrots are tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Blend the Puree: Once the carrots are tender, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding a little more broth if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

2. Prepare the Lemon Dill Aioli

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill, and minced garlic.
2. Season: Whisk until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.

3. Prepare the Micro Green Salad

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

1. Dress the Greens: In a mixing bowl, gently toss the micro greens with Meyer lemon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Set Aside: Keep the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

4. Cook the Cod

Preparation Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes

1. Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear the Cod: Place the cod fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Sear for about 3-4 minutes without moving, until the edges are opaque and the bottom is golden brown.
4. Flip and Finish: Carefully flip the fillets using a spatula or tongs and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat.

5. Plate the Dish

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

1. Carrot Puree: Spoon a generous portion of carrot puree onto each plate and spread it out slightly with the back of a spoon.
2. Place the Cod: Place the seared cod fillet on top of the carrot puree.
3. Add the Aioli: Drizzle or dollop the lemon dill aioli over the fish.
4. Finish with Salad: Top the dish with a handful of the dressed micro greens.
5. Final Touch: For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little more Meyer lemon olive oil around the plate.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. The freshness of the wine complements the delicate flavors of the cod and the bright, citrusy notes of the aioli and salad.

Conclusion

Creating this elegant seared Pacific cod dish involves several components that come together to form a balanced and flavorful meal. The creamy carrot puree, tangy lemon dill aioli, and fresh micro greens each add their own unique elements, making every bite a delight. By following these detailed steps and using the right equipment, you can prepare a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home. Enjoy your meal!