Cod in crust filled with cheese

Recipe: Cod with a Swaiter Crust

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to your kitchen! Today, I present to you a delicious and simple recipe for cod with a swaiter crust, a dish that combines the delicacy of fish with the flavor of melted cheese. This meal is perfect for a light yet elegant dinner that you can enjoy with your loved ones. Let's begin our culinary journey!

A brief story about the recipe
Cod is a fish appreciated worldwide for its fine texture and subtle taste. Stuffed with swaiter, a type of cheese with a rich flavor, this dish is a true delight. It is said that stuffed fish recipes were created out of a desire to add extra flavor and texture to fish dishes, and the combination of ingredients we will use today is a perfect testament to this tradition.

Ingredients
- 4 pieces of cod (approximately 150-200 g each)
- 4 slices of swaiter
- 2 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 slices of red bell pepper
- 1 egg
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 50 g flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for added flavor, optional

Preparation of ingredients
To achieve a perfect result, it is important to use fresh ingredients. Choose cod with white, firm flesh that has a pleasant sea smell. The swaiter, with its creamy texture, will melt perfectly, providing a savory taste to the fish.

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the crust mixture
In a medium bowl, crack the egg and lightly beat it with a whisk or fork. Add 100 g of breadcrumbs and 50 g of flour, mixing until you achieve a consistency similar to dumpling dough. The mixture should be homogeneous but not too liquid. You can adjust the proportions of breadcrumbs and flour according to your preferences, adding a bit more breadcrumbs if you desire a crunchier crust.

2. Filling the cod pieces
Each piece of cod will be filled with a slice of swaiter. Use a sharp knife to make a small incision on the side of each piece of fish, deep enough to add the cheese without destroying the shape of the fish. Place a slice of swaiter in each incision.

3. Preparing for baking
After filling all the pieces of cod, dip each piece into the egg, breadcrumb, and flour mixture. Make sure all parts are evenly coated to achieve a uniform and golden crust. Place the fish on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

4. Adding vegetables
On each piece of cod, place a slice of red bell pepper and a half cherry tomato. These vegetables not only add a color contrast but also provide an extra flavor to the dish.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the tray with cod in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the fish turns white and slightly transparent, and the crust becomes golden and crispy. You can check if it is done by using a fork to test the fish's texture; it should flake easily.

Serving
Cod with a swaiter crust is best served with a fresh green salad and a slice of lemon for a touch of freshness. If you're a fan of sauces, feel free to prepare a garlic sauce that will add an intense and aromatic flavor to the dish.

Useful tips
- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese. Additionally, you can add spices like oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of fish? Absolutely! You can replace cod with other types of white fish, such as sole or trout.
- How can I store leftovers? Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep the crust crispy.

Nutritional benefits
Cod is an excellent source of high-quality protein, being low in fat. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health. The added vegetables provide an extra supply of vitamins and minerals, making this recipe not only delicious but also healthy.

We suggest enjoying this dish with a white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which will perfectly complement the delicate flavors of the fish.

I hope this recipe for cod with a swaiter crust brings you joy in the kitchen and at your table! Enjoy your meal!