Simple Lemon Herb Baked Cod: A Light & Flavorful Weeknight Meal

 

 I'm always looking for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that don't require a ton of ingredients. This Simple Lemon Herb Baked Cod fits the bill perfectly! With just a handful of everyday items, you can have a flavorful and flaky fish dish on your table in under 30 minutes. It's a fantastic option for a light dinner and highlights the fresh flavors of lemon and herbs.

 

This recipe uses just eight main ingredients, making it a breeze to prepare.

 

Yields: 2-3 servings

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 15-20 minutes

 

Ingredients:

 

1 pound cod fillets (about 2-3 fillets)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lemon, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Arrange Cod: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish.

Drizzle with Oil: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the cod fillets.

Add Lemon and Garlic: Arrange the thin slices of lemon and garlic over and around the cod fillets.

Sprinkle with Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and dried thyme over the fish.

Season: Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cod fillets.

Serve: Carefully remove the baked cod from the oven and serve immediately. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or rice.

Tips for Perfect Baked Cod:

 

Fresh Cod is Best: Use fresh, high-quality cod fillets for the best flavor.

Don't Overbake: Cod cooks quickly and can become dry if overcooked. It's done when it's opaque and flakes easily.

Adjust Lemon and Garlic: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon and garlic to your preference.

Other Herbs: You can also experiment with other fresh or dried herbs like dill, oregano, or chives.

Serving Suggestions: A squeeze of extra lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors even more.

Vibrant Venezuelan Arepas: A Taste of Latin America

  

I've come to appreciate the diverse culinary influences that make our food scene so interesting. Today, I want to share a recipe for a beloved Latin American dish that's incredibly versatile and satisfying: Venezuelan Arepas! These cornmeal pockets are naturally gluten-free and can be filled with just about anything your heart desires, making them perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack.

 

Arepas are a staple in Venezuelan cuisine, and making them at home is easier than you might think. The slightly crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior make them a delightful base for countless fillings. Let's bring a taste of Venezuela to our Ewing Township kitchens!

 

Yields: 6-8 arepas

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20-30 minutes

 

Ingredients:

 

2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (Harina P.A.N. is the most common and recommended brand)

2 ½ cups warm water

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil (plus more for cooking)

Your favorite fillings (see suggestions below!)

Instructions:

 

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pre-cooked cornmeal and salt.

Add Water and Oil: Gradually add the warm water to the cornmeal mixture, mixing with your hands until it's all incorporated. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Add the tablespoon of oil and knead it in.

Let the Dough Rest: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the cornmeal to fully absorb the water.

Shape the Arepas: Take a handful of dough (about the size of a tennis ball) and roll it into a smooth ball. Gently flatten the ball into a disc about ¾ inch thick and 3-4 inches in diameter. Try to keep the edges smooth and avoid cracks. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Cook on a Griddle or Pan: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Place the arepas on the hot surface and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and have formed a light crust. They should sound slightly hollow when tapped.

Finish in the Oven (Optional but Recommended for Puffiness): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the arepas are golden on both sides, transfer them to a baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they puff up slightly.

Prepare to Fill: Remove the arepas from the oven (or continue cooking in the pan, flipping occasionally, until cooked through). Let them cool slightly until you can handle them comfortably.

Create the Pocket: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice into the side of each arepa about halfway through, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

Fill and Serve: Fill the warm arepas with your favorite fillings and serve immediately!

Delicious Filling Ideas:

 

Queso Telita: A soft, mild Venezuelan white cheese.

Jamon y Queso: Ham and cheese.

Pollo Desmechado: Shredded chicken, often cooked with onions, peppers, and garlic.

Carne Mechada: Shredded beef, similar to ropa vieja.

Perico: Scrambled eggs with onions, tomatoes, and peppers.

Caraotas Negras: Black beans, often seasoned with cumin and other spices.

Reina Pepiada: A popular filling made with shredded chicken, avocado, and mayonnaise.

Vegetarian Options: Grilled vegetables, black beans and plantains, avocado and cheese.

Tips for Perfect Arepas:

 

Use the Right Flour: Make sure you are using pre-cooked white cornmeal (Harina P.A.N.) and not regular cornmeal or cornstarch.

Water Temperature: The water should be warm but not too hot.

Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and pliable. If it's too dry, add a little more warm water, a tablespoon at a time. If it's too sticky, add a little more cornmeal, a teaspoon at a time.

Smooth Edges: Smooth edges will help prevent cracking during cooking.

Don't Rush the Cooking: Allow enough time for the arepas to develop a nice golden crust on both sides.

Easy Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice: A Weeknight Winner

 

 Weeknights can get busy! That's why I love my Instant Pot. It makes cooking delicious and healthy meals a breeze. This Easy Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a family favorite – it's flavorful, cooks quickly, and is a complete meal in one pot. The bright lemon and fresh herbs create a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen, making it a comforting and satisfying dish for any evening.

 

Yields: 4-6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes (including time to pressure)

 

Ingredients:

 

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed

2 cups chicken broth

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

 

Sauté Aromatics: Press the "Sauté" button on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil and heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Brown the Chicken (Optional): Add the chicken pieces to the Instant Pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you're short on time. Press "Cancel" to stop the sauté function.

Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, Italian herbs, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid.

Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Press the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button and set the cooking time for 6 minutes on high pressure.

Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by moving the valve to "Venting."

Fluff and Stir: Remove the lid carefully. Fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and fresh dill.

Serve: Serve the Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice hot. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired. This is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for extra goodness.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken and Rice:

 

Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and helps prevent it from becoming sticky.

Don't Overcrowd: Ensure the rice is in a single layer as much as possible for even cooking.

Adjust Liquid: The 1 ½ cups rice to 2 cups broth ratio works well for long-grain white rice. Different types of rice may require slightly different liquid ratios.

Natural Pressure Release: Allowing for a natural pressure release for the first 5 minutes helps prevent the liquid from sputtering out of the valve.

Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh parsley and dill add a bright and vibrant flavor to the dish.

Quick & Crispy Air Fryer Pizza: Perfect for a Weeknight

  

Sometimes you just crave a delicious pizza but don't want to wait for delivery or heat up the whole oven. That's where the air fryer comes to the rescue! This recipe for Air Fryer Pizza is incredibly quick, easy, and delivers a surprisingly crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. It's perfect for a single serving, a speedy lunch, or a fun snack. Get ready for pizza night in a fraction of the time!

 

This method works best with pre-made pizza dough, pita bread, or even English muffins for a super fast version.

 

Ingredients:

 

1 pre-made pizza dough ball (about 6-8 ounces) OR 1 large pita bread OR 2 English muffin halves

2-3 tablespoons pizza sauce (your favorite kind!)

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni slices, cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)

Optional: Olive oil, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions (using pizza dough):

 

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.

Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to fit comfortably in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space around the edges. If your air fryer is small, you may need to make two smaller pizzas.

Pre-cook the Crust (Optional but Recommended for Dough): Carefully place the dough in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it just starts to set but isn't fully browned. This helps prevent a soggy bottom. Remove the crust from the air fryer.

Add Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the pre-cooked (or pita/muffin) crust, leaving a small border for the edges.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

Add Toppings: Arrange your favorite pizza toppings over the cheese.

Air Fry: Carefully place the pizza back in the air fryer basket. Cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the toppings are heated through. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your crust and toppings.

Serve: Carefully remove the pizza from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before slicing and serving.

Instructions (using pita bread or English muffins):

 

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.

Prepare the Base: If using English muffins, lightly toast them first for extra crispiness.

Add Sauce: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the pita bread or English muffin halves.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

Add Toppings: Arrange your favorite pizza toppings over the cheese.

Air Fry: Place the pita pizza or English muffin pizzas in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the toppings are heated through.

Serve: Carefully remove the pizzas from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips for Air Fryer Pizza Success:

 

Don't Overcrowd: Cook one pizza at a time to ensure even cooking and crisping.

Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your pizza and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Prevent Toppings from Flying: If your toppings are light, they might get blown around by the air fryer's fan. You can try placing larger toppings on top or using a toothpick to secure very light items.

Experiment with Crusts: Feel free to try different types of pre-made dough, tortillas, or even naan bread for your pizza base.

Get Creative with Toppings: The possibilities are endless! Use your favorite combinations.

Living here in Ewing Township, this air fryer pizza has become a weeknight lifesaver! It's a quick, fun, and delicious way to satisfy those pizza cravings without a lot of fuss. Enjoy your homemade air fryer pizza!