Grilled cod with mashed potatoes

Delicious Recipe: Grilled Cod with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Peppers

The culinary journey we offer today will take us through the delightful flavors of a simple yet sophisticated dish that combines the fragility of cod with the savoriness of mashed potatoes and the sweetness of roasted peppers. This recipe is perfect for a dinner among friends or to impress your loved ones. Let’s put on our aprons and get inspired by this recipe!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients needed

- 3-4 slices of cod (preferably thick and salted, or frozen)
- 500 g small potatoes (white or red)
- 2 bell peppers (red or green)
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons vinegar (optional)

A bit of history

Cod is a highly appreciated fish in many cultures, due to its delicate texture and refined taste. Over time, it has been considered a staple food, and cooking methods vary from baking to frying or smoking. In our recipe, grilling will give it a special flavor, perfect for complementing the simple yet characterful ingredients.

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the cod

If you have salted cod, start by soaking it. Place the slices of cod in a bowl of cold water and leave them in the refrigerator for 3 days, changing the water every 12 hours. If you are using frozen cod, make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. The cod should be thick to withstand cooking and retain juiciness.

Step 2: Preparing the peppers

While the cod is soaking, you can prepare the peppers. Heat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Place the peppers on the grill and let them roast for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally until the skin becomes charred and peels off easily. Once done, remove them and place them in a covered bowl to cool. Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and cut them into strips.

Step 3: Baking the potatoes

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Wash the potatoes well and place them in a baking tray. Sprinkle with salt and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake for about an hour, or until they become soft and slightly browned. Test if they are done by inserting the tip of a knife into them. If it goes in easily, they are done!

Step 4: Mashing the potatoes

After the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Using an oven mitt, take one potato in your palm and gently crush it without turning it into a puree. Place them in a large bowl.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients

Add the olive oil, crushed garlic (or finely chopped, as preferred), salt, pepper, and the strips of cod over the mashed potatoes. If desired, add the strips of roasted peppers as well. Gently mix all the ingredients to allow the flavors to blend. You can cover the bowl and shake it gently to mix better, but be careful not to crush the potatoes too much.

Step 6: Serving

Serving this dish is just as important as cooking it. Arrange the cod and potato mixture on a large platter. You can drizzle with a little olive oil and vinegar for added flavor. I recommend serving this dish with a glass of dry red wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of this meal.

Tips and suggestions

- If you can’t find cod, you can substitute it with another white fish, but make sure it has a similar texture.
- You can also add other grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, for added color and nutrients.
- This recipe can easily be adapted to become vegan by replacing the cod with marinated tofu and grilling it, which is easy to find.

Frequently asked questions

Is it absolutely necessary to soak the cod?
If you are using salted cod, yes, soaking is essential to avoid an overly intense flavor. If you are using frozen cod, it is not necessary.

Can I prepare this dish without a grill?
Yes, you can bake the cod in the oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, until it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

What other side dishes could I use?
Besides the mashed potatoes, fresh salads are an excellent choice. An arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and lemon would provide a nice contrast.

Conclusion

Cooking is an art, and every recipe is a story. Through this grilled cod dish with mashed potatoes and roasted peppers, not only will you learn a delicious recipe, but you will also add a beautiful page to your recipe book. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the process and keep your thoughts positive, as cooking is a form of love that you can offer to those around you!