Description
This Moroccan-Style Cod recipe offers a flavorful and healthy 30-minute meal featuring tender cod fillets poached in a vibrant bell pepper and harissa sauce. Enhanced with aromatic spices and served best with couscous, it’s a delightful dish bursting with North African-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 green bell pepper – deseeded and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper – deseeded and chopped
- 2 carrots – chopped
- 1 yellow onion – diced
- 6 garlic cloves – minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp black pepper (divided)
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp mild rose harissa (adjust to taste)
Herbs and Liquids
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro (plus more for serving)
- ¾ cup low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Main Protein
- 4 cod fillets
For Garnish
- Freshly ground black pepper (for serving)
- Chili flakes (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Pat the cod fillets dry and season both sides with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Peel and chop the carrots. Deseed and chop the green and red bell peppers. Dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic cloves, and chop the cilantro.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil and salted butter over medium-high heat in a large heavy-bottomed skillet. Add the bell peppers and chopped carrots, cooking for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Then add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Spices and Tomato Base: Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, the remaining salt and pepper, tomato paste, and mild rose harissa. Mix well to fully incorporate these spices with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Add chopped cilantro and low sodium vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, creating a flavorful poaching sauce.
- Poach the Cod: Lay the seasoned cod fillets gently into the simmering sauce. Sprinkle the fillets with lemon juice, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Let the cod poach gently for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, top with additional chopped cilantro, freshly ground black pepper, and chili flakes to taste. Serve immediately, ideally paired with couscous or your favorite side.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of harissa depending on your preferred spice level; mild rose harissa keeps it flavorful but not overly spicy.
- Be careful not to overcook the cod; poaching gently ensures it stays tender and moist.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with light grains like couscous or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Using low sodium vegetable broth helps to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with an additional tablespoon of olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
