The weather is getting warmer and I have decided to come out of hibernation, but before I declare it swimming weather, I decided it might be a good idea to put down the pasta and try something a little lighter.  Living in New England there is never a shortage of fish, so I decided to try out a new recipe for Cod.  Cod Piccata seemed like a great way to welcome Spring!  It is light, lemony and not overpowering in its spices.

I recently purchased a new spiralizer, deciding that it is a great investment and a great substitute for the pasta that I love.  The trick with cooking any type of vegetable noodle is that you should flash sauté it so that the vegetables do not get soggy.

Ingredients 

• 2 pieces of cod, preferably the tenderloin
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• All-purpose flour, for dredging ¼ cup
• Lemon zest, for dredging 1 tsp.
• Panko bread crumbs, for dredging 2 tbs.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 zucchinis, small to medium size

Recipe

Season cod with salt and pepper. Dredge cod in flour, lemon zest and panko bread crumbs and shake off excess.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil. When butter and oil start to sizzle, add 2 pieces of cod and cook for 3 minutes on each side (depending on how thick the cod pieces are, you may have to cook for longer). Cook the cod until lightly browned on each side.  Remove and transfer to plate and keep warm.

Into the pan add the lemon juice, stock and capers. Return to stove and bring to boil, scraping up brown bits from the pan for extra flavor. Check for seasoning.  Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to sauce and whisk vigorously. Return all the cod to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove cod to platter. Add the spiralized zucchini and cook for 3 minutes.  Plate the zucchini first, hen put the cod on top of the veggies and finish by pouring sauce over cod and garnish with parsley.

I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I did!