Fig Leaf-Wrapped Herb & Lemon Cod

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Fig Leaf-Wrapped Herb & Lemon Cod

This dish is elegant, deeply aromatic, and incredibly simple to prepare. Wrapping the fish protects it from drying out, ensuring a perfectly flaky texture every time.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15–20 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 large fresh fig leaves (unblemished, washed thoroughly, and stems trimmed)
  • 2 cod fillets (approx. 150g–180g each; can also use halibut, sea bass, or salmon)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or melted grass-fed butter)
  • 1 fresh lemon, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2–3 sprigs of fresh herbs (dill, thyme, or parsley work beautifully)
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Leaves: Pre-heat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6). Pour boiling water over the fresh fig leaves in a shallow dish for 30 seconds just to make them pliable and easy to fold. Pat them completely dry with a tea towel.

Season the Fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with sea salt and black pepper.

Assemble the Parcels: Lay the fig leaves flat on a clean surface, vein-side up. Brush the center of each leaf with a little olive oil. Place a few lemon slices and garlic slivers in the center, then place the cod fillet right on top. Top the fish with the remaining lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Wrap It Up: Fold the sides of the fig leaf tightly over the fish to create a neat secure parcel (like a burrito). If your leaves are a bit stubborn, you can secure them with a piece of kitchen twine or a toothpick.

Bake: Place the wrapped parcels seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The leaves will darken and char slightly, filling your kitchen with a sweet, coconut-vanilla aroma.

Serve: Transfer to plates, cut the twine if used, and gently open the leaves just before eating to catch that amazing burst of fragrant steam. Note: Do not eat the leaf itself; it is used strictly for cooking and imparting flavor.Fig Leaf-Wrapped Herb & Lemon Cod

This dish is elegant, deeply aromatic, and incredibly simple to prepare. Wrapping the fish protects it from drying out, ensuring a perfectly flaky texture every time.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15–20 minutes

Servings: 2

 

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