Crispy Potato and Ham-Wrapped Cod

Ingredients

Salt and ground black pepper
1 tablespoon (about a palmful) smoked paprika
4 small cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 to 2 large Yukon gold potatoes, sliced paper thin on a mandoline
12 paper-thin slices Serrano ham or prosciutto
3 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation

Season all of the fish fillets with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Set aside.

On a roughly 6-inch square of parchment paper or aluminum foil, lay down 2 slices of potato, short ends touching and slightly overlapping. Shingle a piece of Serrano ham or prosciutto on top of the potatoes, leaving a small strip of potato exposed. Repeat to make a striped potato "mat" that has 4 bands of potato and 4 slices of meat.

Lay one piece of fish in the middle of the slices and fold the sides over the fish to enclose it in the pocket, using the paper or foil for leverage. Set the pocket aside, seam side-down, and repeat to wrap the remaining slices of fish.

Place a large skillet over medium heat with 3 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 3 tablespoons. Add the wrapped fish pieces to the pan, seam side-down, and cook gently until the potatoes are golden brown and fish is cooked through, 4-5 minutes per side.

Serve immediately with Crispy-Bottomed Yellow Rice and Garlic-Sherry Mushrooms alongside.