Battered fish with polenta and sour cream with garlic sauce

Breaded Cod with Polenta and Garlic Sour Cream Sauce: A Traditional Delicacy

If you are looking for a delicious recipe that combines the rich flavors of fish with creamy polenta and a fine garlic sour cream sauce, you have come to the right place. This breaded cod recipe is not only simple but also incredibly tasty and nutritious. It is a perfect choice for a family dinner or a special occasion. Let's embark on this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the fish:
- 3 smaller cod fillets (approximately 800 g)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g flour
- 150 g breadcrumbs
- Salt (to taste)
- Oil (for frying)

For the polenta:
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup cornmeal
- Salt (to taste)

For the sour cream sauce:
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Salt (to taste)

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Fish

We start by cleaning the fish. Remove the scales, entrails, and head, then carefully fillet them. Cut each fish into 4 equal pieces. This step is essential to ensure even frying and an attractive presentation.

Place the fish pieces in a colander and sprinkle a pinch of salt over them. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to marinate slightly. The salt will help enhance the flavor of the fish.

Step 2: Preparing the Polenta

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt to taste. When the water starts to boil, gradually add the cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring over low heat for about 10-15 minutes until the polenta becomes creamy and easily pulls away from the sides of the pot. When ready, pour the polenta onto a plate and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Preparing the Breaded Fish

In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Prepare one plate with flour and another with breadcrumbs. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Take each piece of fish, first coat it in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. This is the secret to a crispy and delicious crust. Place the fish in the pan and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove the fish to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Preparing the Garlic Sour Cream Sauce

In a small bowl, mash the garlic cloves with a little salt. Add the sour cream and mix well. This simple yet flavorful sauce will add a touch of freshness and a perfect taste to your dish.

Serving

Serve the breaded fish alongside warm polenta and garlic sour cream sauce. You can garnish with a few fresh parsley leaves for a more appealing look. A delicious variation would be to add a few slices of lemon for a touch of acidity.

Practical Tips

1. Choosing the Fish: Buy fresh fish with firm flesh. Cod is ideal, but you can also use other types of white fish.
2. Frying Oil: Use sunflower oil or olive oil for a more intense flavor. Make sure the oil is well heated before adding the fish.
3. Gluten-Free Option: If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can replace the flour with almond or rice flour.
4. Polenta with Cheese: For an even richer taste, you can add grated telemea cheese to the polenta.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Cod fish is an excellent source of protein, Omega-3, and essential vitamins. Polenta, rich in complex carbohydrates, provides energy, while garlic has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Per serving, the dish has an average of about 450 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of fish can I use? You can use cod, but also other types of white fish such as tilapia or trout.
2. Can I prepare polenta in advance? Yes, polenta can be made a few hours ahead and kept at room temperature. Reheat it in a steamer or oven before serving.
3. How can I vary the recipe? Try adding spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for a spicy flavor, or you can add herbs to the sour cream sauce, such as dill or chives.

Conclusion

This breaded cod recipe with polenta and garlic sour cream sauce is not just a tasty dish but also a true love letter to culinary traditions. I encourage you to try this recipe at home and enjoy every bite. Remember that cooking is an art form, and every meal is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Enjoy your meal!