Spiced Cod One Pot (Printable)

Aromatic cod simmered with vegetables and warming spices in one pot for easy cleanup and bold Mediterranean flavors.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 4 cod fillets (about 5.3 oz each), skinless and boneless

→ 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 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 5.3 oz baby spinach
08 - 1 lemon, sliced

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
12 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is faster than the actual cooking.
  • The spiced tomato base soaks into the fish and makes every bite deeply flavorful.
  • It feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a tired Tuesday.
  • You can swap the fish or vegetables based on what you have without losing the magic.
02 -
  • Do not overcook the cod or it will turn dry and rubbery, check it at 8 minutes and remove from heat as soon as it flakes.
  • Let the spices cook for a full minute before adding liquid, this step unlocks their flavor and prevents a raw, powdery taste.
  • If your sauce looks too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the fish.
03 -
  • Use a wide skillet instead of a deep pot so the fillets sit in a single layer and cook evenly.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the fish and adjust the salt or spice level, it is much easier to fix at this stage.
  • Let the dish rest for 2 minutes after cooking so the flavors settle and the sauce clings to the fish.
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