Texas-style cuisine meets Mediterranean flavors in this delightful twist on a classic dish. Cod wrapped in Parma ham combines with cherry tomatoes and olives for a savory, satisfying traybake that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. This one-pan meal blends the richness of Italian cured meat with the lightness of flaky white fish, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
The dish starts with a base of sliced onions and juicy cherry tomatoes, roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. Tender cod fillets are then enveloped in thin slices of salty Parma ham before being nestled atop the vegetable mixture. Green olives add a briny pop, complementing the fish and rounding out the Mediterranean profile of the dish.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this traybake requires minimal prep and clean-up. The oven does most of the work, allowing the flavors to meld as the fish cooks to perfection and the ham crisps up. The result is a visually appealing and aromatic meal that’s sure to impress without causing stress in the kitchen.
Overview of Texas-Style Cuisine
Texas cuisine blends influences from Mexican, Southern, and Western cooking traditions. It emphasizes bold flavors, hearty portions, and locally sourced ingredients.
Beef plays a central role in Texas cooking, with dishes like chicken-fried steak and barbecued brisket being iconic staples. Tex-Mex cuisine also features prominently, incorporating ingredients like chili peppers, cumin, and corn tortillas.
Olive oil is not traditionally associated with Texas cooking. However, some modern chefs incorporate extra virgin olive oil into updated versions of classic dishes for a lighter touch.
Seafood dishes are popular along the Gulf Coast. This includes preparations like blackened redfish and fried catfish. Inland, freshwater fish like bass are often prepared simply, pan-fried or grilled.
Pecan pie, cobbler, and kolaches represent the sweet side of Texas cuisine. These desserts showcase local ingredients like pecans and seasonal fruits.
Chili con carne holds special importance as the official state dish of Texas. Traditional recipes exclude beans, focusing on tender beef in a rich, spiced sauce.
Selecting Quality Ingredients
The success of this Texas-style cod dish hinges on choosing premium components. Fresh, high-quality ingredients elevate the flavors and textures of the final meal.
Choosing the Right Cod
Opt for thick, firm cod fillets or loins with a translucent appearance and mild, ocean-fresh scent. Avoid pieces with discoloration or a fishy odor. Fresh cod should have moist, shiny flesh without any dry or brown edges.
For best results, select fillets that are 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This ensures even cooking and prevents the fish from drying out. If possible, ask your fishmonger to remove any bones.
Frozen cod can be a good alternative when fresh is unavailable. Look for individually vacuum-sealed portions to maintain quality.
Understanding Parma Ham
Authentic Parma ham, or Prosciutto di Parma, is dry-cured Italian ham with a delicate, sweet flavor. Look for thin, evenly sliced pieces with a deep pink color and streaks of white fat.
High-quality Parma ham should have a smooth texture and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Avoid packages with excessive moisture or ham that appears slimy or discolored.
For this recipe, choose ham sliced thin enough to wrap around the cod without overpowering it. About 2-3 slices per fillet is typically sufficient.
Picking Fresh Produce
Select ripe, firm cherry tomatoes with vibrant color and smooth skin. Avoid those with blemishes or soft spots. Roma or grape tomatoes can be substituted if cherry varieties are unavailable.
For olives, green Nocellara varieties offer a buttery texture and mild flavor that complements the cod. Choose plump olives without bruising or wrinkles.
Red onions should be firm with dry, papery skin. Look for flat-leaf parsley with bright green leaves and no signs of wilting. Fresh garlic cloves should be firm and free from green sprouts.
When including additional vegetables like courgettes or peppers, choose firm specimens with bright, unblemished skin.
Preparation Techniques
Proper preparation is key to achieving the perfect Texas-style cod wrapped in Parma ham with cherry tomato and olive traybake. Attention to detail in wrapping the cod and assembling the traybake ensures a delicious and visually appealing dish.
Wrapping Cod in Parma Ham
Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the Parma ham adhere better. Season each fillet with salt and pepper. Lay a slice of Parma ham on a clean surface.
Place the cod fillet at one end of the ham slice. Carefully wrap the ham around the fish, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight. The ham should overlap slightly underneath.
Secure the wrapped cod with toothpicks if needed. Repeat this process for all cod fillets. Set aside while preparing the traybake components.
Traybake Assembly
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Choose a large, shallow roasting dish or baking tray. Spread sliced red onions evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Add cherry tomatoes and black olives to the tray. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss gently to coat all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the wrapped cod fillets on top of the vegetable mixture. Ensure they’re not overcrowded. Drizzle the cod lightly with additional olive oil.
For extra flavor, scatter fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary over the traybake. The dish is now ready for the oven, where it will roast until the cod is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Baking and Cooking Instructions
Properly baking cod wrapped in Parma ham with cherry tomatoes and olives requires attention to temperature and timing. These steps ensure the fish cooks perfectly while the vegetables develop rich flavors.
Oven Settings and Temperature
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) for optimal results. This temperature allows the cod to cook through while crisping the Parma ham and roasting the vegetables. Use a shallow roasting tin or baking dish to spread out the ingredients evenly.
Place the cherry tomatoes, sliced onions, and olives in the tin. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the Parma ham-wrapped cod fillets on top of the vegetables.
Monitoring the Cooking Time
Bake the traybake for 20-25 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cod fillets. Check the fish after 15 minutes by gently pressing it with a fork. It should flake easily when done.
The cherry tomatoes should burst and release their juices, creating a flavorful sauce. The Parma ham will crisp up, adding a delicious texture contrast.
For food safety, ensure the internal temperature of the cod reaches 63°C (145°F). Use a meat thermometer to check if unsure.
Finishing and Presentation
The final touches and plating elevate this Texas-style cod dish from delicious to visually stunning. Thoughtful garnishing and serving suggestions enhance the overall dining experience.
Garnishing with Herbs
Fresh herbs add color, aroma, and flavor to the cod and vegetable traybake. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the dish just before serving. For a Texas twist, consider using cilantro. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the dish’s richness.
Lemon wedges arranged around the platter provide a bright, citrusy accent. Guests can squeeze lemon juice over their portions to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cod and vegetable traybake directly from the roasting pan for a rustic, family-style presentation. Alternatively, plate individual portions on warm dishes.
Accompany the main dish with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. A side of garlic-roasted potatoes or a light salad complements the cod well.
For a complete meal, offer a Texas-inspired appetizer like jalapeno poppers. Pair the dish with a crisp white wine or a light beer to balance the flavors.