Spiced Cod One Pot (Printable Version)

Aromatic cod simmered with vegetables and warming spices in one pot. Easy cleanup, maximum flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ Seafood

01 - 4 cod fillets, skinless and boneless, approximately 5.3 oz each

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
06 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
07 - 5.3 oz baby spinach
08 - 1 lemon, sliced

→ Spices and Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
12 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pantry

15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
16 - 1 cup fish or vegetable stock

→ Garnish

17 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
18 - Lemon wedges

# How to Prepare:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and diced yellow bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes additional.
03 - Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes and fish or vegetable stock. Bring mixture to a simmer.
05 - Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are tender and sauce thickens slightly.
06 - Gently nestle cod fillets into sauce. Top with lemon slices. Cover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
07 - Add baby spinach and cook for 2 minutes until just wilted.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and additional lemon wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is as easy as the cooking itself.
  • The cod stays tender and flaky, soaking up every bit of spice and citrus from the sauce.
  • It feels like a special meal but comes together in under an hour on a weeknight.
  • The colors alone make you feel like you've done something impressive.
02 -
  • Don't skip blooming the spices in the pot before adding the liquid, it makes all the difference in depth of flavor.
  • Use a gentle hand when placing the cod in the sauce so the fillets don't break apart before they've had a chance to cook through.
  • If your cod is frozen, thaw it completely and pat it very dry, or it will water down the sauce.
03 -
  • Taste the sauce before adding the fish and adjust the salt and spice, it's much harder to fix once the cod is in.
  • Let the dish rest for a minute or two after cooking so the flavors settle and the sauce clings better to the fish.
  • If you're serving this for guests, prep all your vegetables ahead of time so the actual cooking feels effortless.
Go Back