Smoked Cod Spinach Mustard: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Smoked cod spinach mustard – just the name alone conjures up images of a sophisticated, yet comforting dish, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, a delightful combination that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Forget bland weeknight dinners; this is where flavor truly shines!

While the exact origins of pairing smoked fish with spinach and mustard are a bit hazy, the concept itself draws upon classic culinary traditions. Smoked fish, a preservation technique dating back centuries, has always been prized for its unique flavor profile. Spinach, a nutritional powerhouse, adds a vibrant freshness, and mustard, well, that’s the zesty kick that brings everything to life. Think of it as a modern twist on a time-honored combination, a culinary bridge between rustic simplicity and refined taste.

What makes this smoked cod spinach mustard recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The flaky, smoky cod melts in your mouth, complemented by the tender spinach and the sharp, tangy mustard sauce. It’s a dish that’s both elegant enough for a dinner party and quick enough for a satisfying weeknight meal. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious choice. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g Smoked Cod Fillets, skinless and boneless
• 300g Fresh Spinach, washed thoroughly
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped
• 100ml Double Cream
• 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 50g Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ Lemon
• Pinch of Nutmeg
• Optional: Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Spinach

Okay, let’s start with the spinach. We want to wilt it down nicely before incorporating it into the creamy sauce. Don’t worry, it’s super easy!

1. Wash the spinach thoroughly. Even if it says “pre-washed,” I always give it a good rinse just to be safe. You don’t want any gritty bits in your final dish.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Make sure the pan is big enough to hold all the spinach. It might seem like a lot at first, but it will shrink down considerably.
3. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be lovely and fragrant.
4. Add the spinach to the pan in batches. If you try to add it all at once, it will overflow. Add a handful or two at a time, and let it wilt down before adding more. Use tongs to toss the spinach and coat it with the oil, garlic, and onion.
5. Continue adding spinach until it’s all wilted. This should only take a few minutes. Once the spinach is wilted, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
6. Drain any excess liquid from the spinach. You can do this by pressing the spinach against the side of the pan with a spoon, or by transferring it to a colander and squeezing out the excess moisture. This step is important because you don’t want a watery sauce.
7. Roughly chop the wilted spinach. This will make it easier to incorporate into the sauce later on.

Preparing the Smoked Cod

Now for the star of the show – the smoked cod! We want to make sure it’s cooked perfectly so it’s flaky and delicious.

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This will ensure the cod cooks evenly.
2. Prepare a baking dish. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the cod from sticking.
3. Place the smoked cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the fillets are arranged in a single layer.
4. Drizzle the cod fillets with the juice of ½ lemon. This will add a bright, citrusy flavor and help to keep the cod moist.
5. Season the cod fillets with salt and black pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, as smoked cod can already be quite salty.
6. Bake the cod fillets in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and flaky. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. You can check for doneness by gently flaking the cod with a fork. If it flakes easily, it’s ready.
7. Once cooked, gently flake the cod into bite-sized pieces. Be careful not to over-flake it, as you want to retain some texture.

Making the Mustard Cream Sauce

This is where the magic happens! The mustard cream sauce brings everything together and adds a wonderful richness and flavor.

1. In the same pan you used for the spinach (wipe it clean first), heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the double cream to the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the Dijon mustard. Adjust the amount of mustard to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with 1 tbsp and add more to taste.
4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the sauce.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for a few minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Assembling the Dish

Now for the final step – putting it all together! This is the most rewarding part, as you get to see your hard work come to fruition.

1. Add the wilted spinach to the mustard cream sauce. Stir to combine and coat the spinach evenly with the sauce.
2. Gently fold in the flaked smoked cod. Be careful not to break up the cod too much. You want to keep those lovely flakes intact.
3. Heat through gently. Make sure the cod is heated through, but don’t overcook it, as it can become dry.
4. Serve immediately. This dish is best served hot, straight from the pan.
5. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

This Smoked Cod with Spinach and Mustard Cream Sauce is delicious served on its own, or with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with fish and cream sauce.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are both great options for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Pasta: Toss the Smoked Cod with Spinach and Mustard Cream Sauce with your favorite pasta shape for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, for a healthy and balanced meal.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Use different types of fish. If you don’t have smoked cod, you can use other types of smoked fish, such as smoked haddock or smoked salmon. You can also use fresh cod or haddock, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• Add other vegetables. Feel free to add other vegetables to the spinach mixture, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Use different types of cheese. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use other types of hard cheese, such as Gruyere or Pecorino Romano.
• Add a touch of spice. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Make it lighter. To make this dish lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of double cream, and reduce the amount of cheese.
• Make it ahead of time. You can prepare the spinach and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the cod and heat through.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Smoked Cod with Spinach and Mustard Cream Sauce. It’s a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! I truly believe this Smoked Cod with Spinach and Mustard recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. It’s the kind of dish that elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something special, without requiring hours in the kitchen. The smoky richness of the cod, the vibrant green of the spinach, and the tangy kick of the mustard create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

But why is it a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Want to make it even healthier? Substitute the cream with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce. The possibilities are endless!

And speaking of serving suggestions, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a complete and satisfying meal, I highly recommend serving it with a side of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. The grains will soak up all that delicious mustard sauce, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Alternatively, you could serve it alongside some roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, for a lighter and equally delicious option.

If you’re looking for variations, consider using different types of smoked fish. Smoked haddock or even smoked salmon would work wonderfully in this recipe. You could also experiment with different types of mustard. A Dijon mustard will provide a classic, sharp flavor, while a whole-grain mustard will add a delightful textural element. For a sweeter note, try using a honey mustard. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Another fantastic variation is to turn this into a creamy pasta dish. Simply toss the cooked smoked cod, spinach, and mustard sauce with your favorite pasta shape, such as penne or farfalle. This is a great way to stretch the recipe and make it even more filling. You could even add some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more fish and leafy greens into your diet, and it’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks can master it with ease.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I’m absolutely certain that you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think?

Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’ve made this Smoked Cod with Spinach and Mustard recipe your own. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!