Imagine a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. This Crispy Cod with Lentils is not just a meal; it's a gastronomic adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the French coastline. With golden, perfectly seared cod resting on a bed of hearty, flavor-packed lentils, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Get ready to impress your dinner guests and indulge in a dish that's as nutritious as it is delectable!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cod fillets, 1 cup of lentils, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of thyme, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside. This helps to remove any dirt or impurities.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the cod fillets. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cod fillets to the skillet.
- Cook the cod for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Check the lentils for seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Fluff them with a fork to separate the lentils.
- To serve, place a generous portion of lentils on each plate and top with a crispy cod fillet. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Crispy Cod with Lentils, a delightful French-inspired dish!
Tips
- Pat your cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior.
- Use medium-high heat when searing the fish to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking cod - cook in batches if needed to maintain high heat.
- Rinse lentils before cooking to remove any debris and prevent a gritty texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for the lentils to add extra depth of flavor.
- Let the cod rest on paper towels after cooking to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a beautiful finishing touch to the dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the lentils while they simmer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 238kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
