- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 fresh cod fillets, weighing about 180g/6Âźoz each
- salt
- freshly ground pepper
- 1 lemon, zest only
- 1 dried chilli
- 1 garlic clove, finely sliced
- 125ml/4Âźfl oz dry white wine
- 500ml/18fl oz skimmed milk
- 2 tbsp mascarpone cheese
- 4 tbsp chopped basil
- creamy mash
- Warm the oil in a pan large enough to accommodate the fish fillets in a single layer.
- Season the fillets with salt and pepper and place in the pan.
- Seal on both sides over a low heat, without colouring the flesh.
- Add the zest, chilli and garlic, and fry gently to allow the flavours to develop, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the wine and milk, increase the heat and bring to the boil. Reduce to a very gentle simmer and cover, with the lid gaping slightly.
- Poach the fillets until just cooked through, 4-8 minutes, depending on their thickness. When done, the flesh will flake when pressed gently. The sauce will appear slightly curdled.
- Remove from the heat and transfer the fish to warm serving plates. Gently pull off the skin. 8. Add the mascarpone to the pan and stir into the sauce.
- Taste for seasoning and add the basil at the last minute.
- Serve the cod with creamy mash and plenty of sauce spooned over the top.