Elegant Sautéed Cod with Pea Cream: A Delightful Gourmet Experience

Treat your taste buds to a culinary delight with Sautéed Cod with Pea Cream, a sophisticated dish that balances the delicate flavor of cod with the creamy richness of pea puree. Each tender chunk of cod is marinated in mustard seeds for a subtle kick of flavor, then sautéed to golden perfection before being nestled atop a bed of velvety pea cream. Finished with a savory shallot and pea sauce and garnished with fragrant dill, this dish is a feast for the senses that will leave you craving more.

Sautéed Cod with Pea Cream holds a special place in our family’s culinary repertoire, as it embodies the essence of gourmet dining right in the comfort of our own home. I still remember the first time I prepared this dish for a special dinner party, carefully marinating the cod in mustard seeds and watching as it sizzled to perfection in the skillet. The aroma of buttery shallots and fresh peas filled the air, tantalizing our senses and building anticipation for the exquisite meal to come. As we gathered around the table and took our first bites, it was clear that this dish was a true masterpiece—one that would be savored and remembered for years to come.

Why This Recipe Rocks:

Balanced Flavors: The combination of tender cod, fragrant mustard seeds, and creamy pea puree creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will delight your palate. Gourmet Presentation: Impress your guests with a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes, with each component thoughtfully arranged on the plate for maximum visual appeal. Simple Yet Sophisticated: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Versatile Ingredients: Customize the dish with your favorite herbs and spices, or swap the cod for another firm white fish for a personalized twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. boneless, skinless cod fillets, cut into 2″ chunks
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, lightly crushed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Roughly chopped dill, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle the cod chunks evenly with crushed mustard seeds and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
2. In a 10″ skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the peas, 1 cup of water, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cover partially with a lid and cook until the sauce is reduced, about 10 minutes. Set the sauce aside and keep warm.
4. In a food processor, puree 3/4 cup of peas, half-and-half, and salt and pepper until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a 2-qt. saucepan and keep warm over low heat.
5. In a 12″ skillet, heat the olive oil and remaining butter over medium-high heat. Add the marinated cod chunks and cook, turning once, until golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side. Season with salt to taste.
6. To serve, divide the pea puree among 6 serving plates. Top with the sautéed cod chunks and spoon the shallot and pea sauce over the fish. Garnish with chopped dill and serve immediately.

Notes:

• For a lighter option, you can use milk instead of half-and-half in the pea puree.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.