🐟 Cod with Mashed Potatoes and Bacon
🕒 Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Cod:
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4 cod fillets (about 150–200g each), skinless and boneless
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Salt and pepper
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
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800g (1¾ lbs) potatoes, peeled and chopped
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50g (3 tbsp) butter
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100–150ml (½–⅔ cup) milk or cream (warm)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: a clove of garlic or a few sprigs of thyme boiled with the potatoes
For the Bacon:
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150g (5 oz) bacon or pancetta, diced or in strips
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Optional: 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
🍳 Instructions:
1. Boil and Mash the Potatoes:
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Cook potatoes in salted water until tender (10–15 minutes).
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Drain, mash with butter and warm milk/cream.
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Season with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
2. Cook the Bacon:
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In a dry skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy (5–7 minutes).
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Optional: add onion/shallot for extra flavor and cook until soft.
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Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Cook the Cod:
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Pat cod dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil or butter in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
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Cook cod fillets for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until opaque and flaky.
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Optional: squeeze lemon juice over the fish before serving.
4. Assemble & Serve:
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Spoon mashed potatoes onto each plate.
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Place cod on top or beside the mash.
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Sprinkle crispy bacon (and onion if used) over the top.
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Garnish with chopped parsley or a drizzle of browned butter for extra flavor.
📝 Tips:
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For extra flavor, sauté a little garlic in the pan before cooking the cod.
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Add a green side like sautéed spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli.
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Want more richness? Drizzle a bit of brown butter with capers over the cod before serving.