Baked Cod with Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients

• 6-8 cod fillets (6 ounces each, skin removed)
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 lemons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method

1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season both sides of the cod fillets with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Place the fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, skin side down if they have skin.
2. 2Drizzle the softened butter over the cod, and scatter the minced garlic and thyme sprigs over the top of each fillet.
3. 3Line a separate baking sheet with parchment paper. Trim the asparagus to the same length, and place it in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
4. 4Toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil until it's lightly coated, then sprinkle with salt to taste.
5. 5Roast the asparagus in the oven with the cod for 12-15 minutes, or until it's tender and lightly browned.
6. 6Bake the cod for 8-10 minutes, or until it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If desired, sprinkle the top of each fillet with Parmesan cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
7. 7Tear 1 lemon peel into thin strips, and place one on top of each baked cod fillet. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and the roasted asparagus on the side.

Nutrition per serving