Ingredients
- 7 T. butter, divided
- 1 T. minced onion
- 6 6-ounce cod portions
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 to 4 fresh bay leaves
- 1 quart light cream or half-and-half
- scant 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- chopped fresh parsley
Preparation In a large frying pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, and sauté the onion until soft. Place cod in pan and cook for 1 minute on each side; season with salt and pepper to taste. Add bay leaves, pour cream over, and simmer, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes (depending on the thickness of the cod portions) or until fish is done. (It will flake apart easily, and juices should be clear.) Remove fish to an oven-safe serving dish and place in oven on its lowest setting. Turn heat to low under remaining cooking liquid.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour, reduce heat to low, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Remove from heat.
Increase the heat under the cooking liquid until it’s steaming; do not allow it to boil. Use a wire whisk to stir in the butter-flour mixture; cook and stir until sauce is thickened and smooth. Remove bay leaves. Spoon sauce over fish, garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Makes 3 large/6 small servings.