| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 325 | 10g | 3g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 7g | 25g | 1.5g |
Why I Love Danish Cod in Tomato Sauce with Root Vegetable Mash
Every once in a while, I come across a dish that truly captures the essence of comfort, warmth, and flavor. This is precisely what led me to fall in love with the Danish specialty, Cod in Tomato Sauce with Root Vegetable Mash. This delightful dish strikes a balance of texture and taste, offering a fish fillet cooked in a robust tomato sauce that pairs beautifully with a creamy, earthy mash of root vegetables.
The Fusion of Two Cultures
Being of Indian-America heritage creates a unique perspective when it comes to understanding flavors. This dish, albeit traditionally Danish, interestingly enough touches upon the comforting flavors that are cherished in my Gujarati roots. Think of Gujarati Undhiyu, a mixed vegetable dish characterized by root vegetables and a tangy tomato base – something that strikingly resembles this recipe.
A Nod to Denmark
This recipe was subtly influenced by a remarkable chef who sparked my interest in Danish cuisine, none other than René Redzepi. His approach to incorporating root vegetables is both innovative and traditional, something I’ve tried to capture in this dish.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the method of preparation also speaks to the effortless beauty of many Danish dishes. From succulent cod fillets to wholesome root vegetables, every component of this dish contributes to a heartwarming eating experience.
Pairing Suggestions and Variations
Delicious on its own, the Cod in Tomato Sauce with Root Vegetable Mash also pairs wonderfully with a green salad or a side of freshly baked bread. For those of you looking for different flavors, why not try adding some Indian spices? Cumin or coriander would add another depth of flavor or some turmeric would lend a beautiful hue to the mash.
This special recipe has quickly become a favourite in my family – from my husband Faisal to our two sons, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. The nourishing flavors, the vibrant colors, and the delightful fusion of cuisines make it a recipe close to my heart. Trust me when I say, give it a try and it’s likely to become a favorite in your kitchen too.
What You’ll Need
- 6 fillets of cod
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 6 large carrots
- 4 parsnips
- 1 rutabaga
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat dry your cod fillets with kitchen paper and season them with the salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof skillet, then add the fillets, and cook each side for 1-2 minutes or until they are lightly golden. Remove them from the pan and keep them warm.
Step Two
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, and chili flakes. Stir to combine and continue to cook the mixture for approximately 10 minutes, or until it reduces and thickens to a rich tomato sauce.
Step Three
Return the cod fillets to the pan, Nestle the fillets into the sauce. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish.
Step Four
While the fish is cooking, prepare the root vegetables. Peel and chop the carrots, parsnips, and rutabaga into roughly the same size pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, add the vegetables, and cook until they are tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Step Five
Drain the cooked root vegetables and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, dried thyme, and rosemary. Mash until they are smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Six
Remove the pan from the oven and check if the cod is cooked thoroughly by ensuring that it flakes easily with a fork. Adjust the seasonings of the tomato sauce if necessary.
Step Seven
Divide the root vegetable mash between six plates, and top each with a fillet of cod. Spoon the tomato sauce over the cod and sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving.
