Dive into a culinary adventure with our tantalizing Cod Marinated in Pepper and Pumpkin Seed Salsa! This vibrant dish, inspired by the exquisite flavors of Ottolenghi, combines the delicate taste of cod with a zesty salsa that bursts with the crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds and the sweetness of roasted red bell peppers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the senses. Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Ottolenghi
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillets
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Gather 1 pound of cod fillets, 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds, 1 roasted and chopped red bell pepper, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Also, have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning.
- To roast the red bell pepper, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the whole red bell pepper on a baking sheet and roast it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered. Once roasted, remove it from the oven and cover it with a kitchen towel for 10 minutes to steam. This will make peeling easier.
- After steaming, peel the skin off the roasted red bell pepper, remove the seeds, and chop the flesh into small pieces. Set aside.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pumpkin seeds for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped roasted red bell pepper, toasted pumpkin seeds, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Mix well to create a salsa. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and set the salsa aside.
- Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Then, serve the cod fillets topped with the pepper and pumpkin seed salsa.
- Garnish with additional pumpkin seeds or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Cod Marinated in Pepper and Pumpkin Seed Salsa!
Tips
- Roasting the Red Bell Pepper: For the best flavor, make sure to char the skin of the red bell pepper thoroughly when roasting. This enhances the sweetness and adds a smoky depth to your salsa.
- Toasting Pumpkin Seeds: Keep an eye on the pumpkin seeds while toasting them in the skillet. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so stir frequently and remove them from the heat as soon as they become fragrant.
- Seasoning the Cod: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper when seasoning the cod fillets. A well-seasoned fish is essential to ensure it stands up to the bold flavors of the salsa.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time for the cod can vary based on the thickness of the fillets. Use a fork to test if the fish flakes easily; this is a good indicator that it's done.
- Garnishing: For an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing your dish with additional toasted pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
