Edwardian Baked Cod with Parsley Sauce
A traditional Good Friday fish dish that would have graced tables both upstairs and downstairs at Downton Abbey. Simple, elegant, and deeply comforting.
Servings 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Fish
- 4 large cod fillets about 6 oz/170g each, skin on or off
- 1 tbsp. butter for greasing
- 1 medium lemon sliced into rounds
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or fish stock 120 ml
For the Parsley Sauce
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk 350 ml
- 1 large bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Fish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a baking dish large enough to hold the fillets in a single layer.
- Arrange the lemon slices and bay leaves in the bottom of the dish. Place the cod fillets on top, season with salt and white pepper, and pour the wine or stock around (not over) the fish.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
For the Parsley Sauce
- While the fish bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Do not let it colour.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, and nutmeg. Season with salt and white pepper. The sauce should be pourable but not thin. Add a splash more milk if it becomes too thick.
To Serve
- Transfer the cod to warmed plates and spoon the parsley sauce generously over the top. Serve with boiled new potatoes and steamed spring greens or peas.
Notes
Substitutions: Haddock, hake, or halibut work equally well in place of cod. In the Edwardian era, turbot and sole were considered the finest choices, but cod was the everyday fish of choice for most households.
Make it richer: For a more luxurious sauce in the style of an upstairs dinner, stir in 2 tablespoons of double cream at the end.
White pepper matters: Edwardian cooks used white pepper in light-coloured sauces to avoid unsightly black specks. It is worth keeping a small jar in your spice cupboard for dishes like this.
Wine note: If you prefer not to use wine, fish stock or even plain water with an extra squeeze of lemon works perfectly well.
Make it richer: For a more luxurious sauce in the style of an upstairs dinner, stir in 2 tablespoons of double cream at the end.
White pepper matters: Edwardian cooks used white pepper in light-coloured sauces to avoid unsightly black specks. It is worth keeping a small jar in your spice cupboard for dishes like this.
Wine note: If you prefer not to use wine, fish stock or even plain water with an extra squeeze of lemon works perfectly well.