Although there are a ton of reasons why fish recipes are so awesome, the quick cooking time is enough motivation for me to create more such recipes! This cod fish and spinach creation came together with an intention to use up some frozen items that were getting a bit too comfy in the freezer section! Of course using fresh cod and fresh spinach would enhance the taste in every way but using frozen ingredients also resulted in some major taste goals. I made a special spice blend with coriander seeds, cumin and a cinnamon stick which I then rubbed onto the fish. I also sprinkled some of this aromatic goodness while sautéing the spinach along with some paprika and garlic powder. Shallow-frying the delicate cod filets coated in some flour imparts a moist, flaky inner layer and a crispy outer crust-a dual delicacy of flavor and texture.
This recipe is an entire meal in itself, elegant enough to serve at any fancy dinner party, yet so simple that it can be prepared any day of the week. The use of a bit of clarified butter and cream offer the spinach an intense depth of flavor but if you so prefer, you can eliminate the ghee for a lighter taste. I decided to garnish the final dish with pitted olives marinated in chili flakes, also resting in the fridge, for some optional, extra crunch and flavor. Delish!
Crusted Cod with Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 15 oz spinach *I used frozen spinach
- 3 tbsp fried onions
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp grape seed oil
- ½ tbsp ghee *clarified butter
- ½ tsp garlic paste
- ½ tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce *store-bought
- 1 tsp DDS spice mix *cumin + coriander + cinnamon (see notes)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Cod
- 3 cod filets *frozen or fresh
- 3 tbsp grape seed oil *for shallow-frying fish
- 1 tsp paprika *plus extra for sprinkling on top
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- 1½ tsp DDS spice mix
- 3 tbsp all purpose flour *as needed, for coating fish
Instructions
For Sautéing Spinach
- In a large skillet, heat ghee + oil on medium heat. Add ginger + garlic pastes and sauté for 2-3 minutes, mixing as needed. Add chili garlic paste, mix well and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. Turn heat to medium low and add spices (DDS spice mix, Kosher salt, black pepper), add 1 tsp water (to prevent burning of spices) and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Now add thawed spinach (or fresh), mix to combine well, cover skillet and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Now add fried onions, mix to combine, cover skillet again and continue to cook for 6-7 more minutes on medium low heat.
- Add cream, mix well, turn heat to medium and cook, uncovered, until a boil is reached and spinach mixture slightly thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove skillet from heat, spoon creamed spinach into a glass dish and set aside.
For Cooking Cod Fish
- Rinse and gently pat dry cod filets. Combine spices in small bowl (DDS spice mix, paprika, garlic powder, Kosher salt and mix spices to combine). Season cod filets on both sides with spice mixture, gently rubbing spices evenly on filets. Coat both sides of each filet with all purpose flour and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- In same skillet, heat grape seed oil on high heat. Once oil is hot, carefully place seasoned cod filets and cook for 3-4 minutes on medium high heat. Then carefully turn filets, cover skillet, turn heat to medium low and cook other side for an additional 3 minutes. Carefully remove filets onto a plate.
- Now place creamed spinach back into skillet, place cooked cod filets on top of spinach, sprinkle with some paprika, cover skillet and continue to cook for a final 3-4 minutes until all flavors combine.
- Flaky, moist, spiced and delicious Crusted Cod with Creamed Spinach is now ready to serve. Enjoy! Nosh Farma'aiye.