Easily Elevate a Simple Fish Dish

Easily Elevate a Simple Fish Dish
The round black lentils have a firmer bite and add texture to the dish. Jason Donnelly/TNS
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This pan-seared cod pairs with a whole-grain mustard vinaigrette for a pop of tangy flavor that elevates this simply cooked piece of fish.

Pan-Seared Cod With Radish and Lentil Salad

Serves 4

Active Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup dried black lentils, picked over and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, divided
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
  • 1 medium thinly sliced shallot
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 1 1/4 pounds cod fillet, cut into 4 portions
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

Combine broth and lentils in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a low simmer. Cover and cook until the lentils are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any remaining broth.

Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in 4 tablespoons oil. Reserve 2 tablespoons vinaigrette in a small bowl.

Add the lentils, pecans, radishes, shallot, mint, parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the dressing in the medium bowl and stir to combine.

Pat cod dry and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Dredge the cod in cornstarch, pressing to adhere and gently shaking off any excess. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod and cook, flipping once, until it’s golden brown and flakes easily with a fork, 8 to 12 minutes.

Serve the lentil salad topped with the cod and drizzled with the reserved 2 tablespoons vinaigrette. Garnish with more parsley and mint, if desired.

Tasty Tips

Also known as Beluga lentils, these round black lentils have a firmer bite and hold their shape better than other varieties when cooked. You can find them with dried beans in well-stocked grocery stores or online. French green lentils work well in their place.

Recipe nutrition per serving: 561 Calories, Total Fat: 32 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 54 mg, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Fiber: 6 g, Total Sugars: 4 g, Protein: 33 g, Sodium: 688 mg, Vitamin A: 12 IU.

Adam Dolge, EatingWell
Adam Dolge, EatingWell
Author
EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at EatingWell.com. Copyright 2023 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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