Cod with Bacon and Pea Puree

Cod with Bacon and Pea Puree is a classic combination of flavours that works perfectly for a quick weeknight dinner. The salty bacon complements the delicate white fish and the sweetness of the green peas. It is a simple dish that looks elegant on the plate without requiring advanced cooking skills. You can prepare most of the elements in less than half an hour.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Cod with Bacon and Pea Puree

Why cod with bacon and pea puree is so popular

This meal is both light and satisfying because of the balance between the fresh vegetables and the savoury meat. Making cod with bacon and pea puree ensures a nutritious dinner that the whole family can enjoy together. The bright green colour of the puree makes the dish look vibrant and professional. It is a reliable choice when you want a high-quality fish meal with minimal effort.

Follow these 4 steps for cod with bacon and pea puree

Step 1
Prepare the peas: Boil the frozen peas in a saucepan of water for about three minutes until they are tender. Drain the water and add the butter along with the double cream to the pan. Use a stick blender to blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth and thick green paste. Season the puree with a little salt and pepper to enhance the flavour.
Step 2
Crisp the bacon: Place the bacon lardons in a cold frying pan and turn the heat to medium. Fry them for several minutes until the fat has rendered and the pieces are golden and crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a plate but keep the fat in the pan for the fish. This fat adds a wonderful smoky taste to the cod.
Step 3
Cook the fish: Season the cod fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the fillets in the hot pan with the bacon fat and cook for three to four minutes on each side. The fish should be opaque and flake easily when it is cooked through. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the fillets just before removing them from the heat.
Step 4
Plate the dish: Spoon a large portion of the warm pea puree onto the middle of each plate. Place a cooked cod fillet carefully on top of the green base. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the fish and garnish with extra lemon wedges if you like. Serve your cod with bacon and pea puree immediately while everything is still hot.

Extra tips for cod with bacon and pea puree

To get the smoothest texture for your pea puree, you can pass it through a fine sieve after blending. If the puree feels too thick, simply add a tiny splash of water or more cream until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure the pan is quite hot before adding the fish so you get a nice sear on the outside.

Using fresh cod provides the best texture, but frozen fillets also work well if they are fully thawed and patted dry. You can add a few fresh mint leaves to the peas while blending for a more refreshing taste. Always keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it gets crispy without burning. This version of cod with bacon and pea puree tastes best when the components are served fresh and hot.

You may also like popcorn, grilled lamb rump or hunter’s pork tenderloin stew.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 4 cod fillets
  • 150 g bacon lardons
  • 400 g frozen peas
  • 15 g butter
  • 50 ml double cream
  • 1 lemon
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1640 kJ / 392 kcal
  • Fat:18 g
  • - of which saturates:8 g
  • Carbohydrates:15 g
  • - of which sugars:4 g
  • Protein:36 g
  • Fibre:5 g
  • Salt:1.1 g

People also ask

Ensure the frying pan is hot and has enough fat from the bacon before adding the cod. Avoid moving the fish for the first few minutes so it can develop a crust. This helps the cod with bacon and pea puree release easily from the pan surface.
Yes, you can use frozen fish as long as it is completely defrosted before you start cooking. Pat the fillets very dry with kitchen paper to prevent them from steaming in the pan. This ensures your cod with bacon and pea puree has the best possible texture.
While the puree is quite filling, you can add some boiled new potatoes or a light green salad. Some crusty bread is also excellent for dipping into the remaining pea mixture. These additions help make the meal even more substantial for hungry guests.
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