Spiced Cod One Pot (Printable)

Aromatic cod with vegetables and warming spices, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup.

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

→ Pantry

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

→ Garnish

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

# How-To Steps:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot, so theres barely any cleanup even after a full dinner.
  • The spices build layers of warmth without overpowering the delicate fish.
  • It feels impressive but comes together in under an hour on a weeknight.
02 -
  • Dont skip patting the cod dry before adding it, excess moisture can water down your sauce.
  • Let the spices cook in the oil for a full minute, this step is where the magic happens.
  • If your sauce looks too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the fish.
03 -
  • Use a wide, shallow pan so the fillets sit in a single layer and cook evenly.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the fish and adjust the salt, it should be bold enough to season the cod as it simmers.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving, the flavors will settle and the sauce will cling beautifully.
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