Delicate cod fillets baked in fragrant lemon leaves with black olives and pink peppercorns.

Light, aromatic and simple, these Cod Fillets Wrapped in Lemon Leaves are inspired by traditional Mediterranean cooking. Lemon leaves release a delicate citrus fragrance while keeping the fish moist and tender, creating an elegant yet easy seafood dish perfect for spring and summer meals.

Paired with briny black olives, pink peppercorns and good extra virgin olive oil, this baked cod recipe celebrates fresh Italian flavours with minimal ingredients and effortless preparation.

What Are Lemon Leaves Used For in Cooking?

Lemon leaves are often used in Mediterranean and Southern Italian cooking to infuse dishes with a delicate citrus aroma. Unlike lemon zest or juice, the leaves provide a softer, more herbal lemon fragrance that works beautifully with fish, seafood and grilled dishes.

If you are lucky enough to have a lemon tree or find unwaxed lemons with leaves attached, they can add a wonderfully fresh flavour to simple recipes like this one.

Have a look here for more inspiration: using-lemon-leaves-in-the-kitchen 

 

Serves: 4 | Preparation time: 10 mins | Cooking time: 20 mins

  • 4 cod fillets (about 1.3 lb / 600 g), fresh or frozen
  • A handful of black olives, pitted and finely chopped
  • 4 lemon leaves
  • Pink peppercorns, to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C / Gas 4.

2. Prepare the Ingredients

Finely chop the black olives.

Wash the lemon leaves carefully and pat dry with kitchen paper.

💡 Tip: If using frozen cod fillets, blanch them while still frozen for 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry thoroughly. 

3. Wrap the Cod Fillets

Place one cod fillet onto each lemon leaf. Season with salt, black pepper and pink peppercorns, then top with chopped black olives.

Fold the lemon leaves around the fish, secure with toothpicks to prevent them from opening during cooking.

Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil.

4. Bake

Arrange the wrapped cod fillets on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

💡 Tip: Lemon leaves should not be eaten, but they infuse the fish with a delicate citrus aroma that makes this dish especially fragrant and elegant.

Serve immediately.

 

 

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