Description
A flavorful Cod & Anchovy Bake featuring layers of tender cod loins, sautéed peppers and tomatoes, seasoned potatoes and onions, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comforting dish combines Mediterranean flavors with simple ingredients for a wholesome, oven-baked meal served alongside wilted baby spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato & Onion Mixture
- 1 large or 2 medium potatoes, sliced into 5mm-thick rounds (about 280g)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced (about 160g)
- 1 tbsp thyme leaves
- 10g anchovies, finely chopped
- Black pepper, to taste
Tomato & Pepper Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil
- 1 red pepper, quartered, deseeded and sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped (about 250g)
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- ½ tsp vegetable bouillon powder
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
Other Ingredients
- 2 skinless, boneless cod loins (280g)
- 25g cheddar, finely grated
- 250g baby spinach, wilted, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes and Onions: Boil the sliced potatoes and thinly sliced onions in boiling water for 5-7 minutes until just tender. Drain well and transfer to a bowl.
- Mix with Seasonings: Gently fold the thyme leaves, finely chopped anchovies, and a pinch of black pepper into the drained potatoes and onions. Set aside.
- Cook the Peppers: Heat the olive or rapeseed oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the quartered, deseeded, and sliced red pepper, cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Flavors: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, white wine vinegar, vegetable bouillon powder, and finely grated garlic. Continue cooking uncovered for 8-10 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and much of the liquid has evaporated, resulting in a thick sauce.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6.
- Assemble the Bake: Place the cod loins evenly in a shallow ovenproof dish. Spoon the tomato and pepper mixture evenly over the cod, then layer the potato and onion mixture on top. Sprinkle the grated cheddar evenly over the surface.
- Bake the Dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the cod flakes easily but remains moist.
- Prepare Spinach and Serve: While baking, wilt the baby spinach by lightly steaming or sautéing. Serve the baked cod and vegetable layers hot with the wilted spinach on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar with another melting cheese like mozzarella or gruyere for a different flavor.
- Ensure the tomato mixture is not too wet before assembling to prevent soggy layers.
- Adjust seasoning with salt if needed, but remember anchovies and bouillon add saltiness.
- Baby spinach can be wilted by briefly sautéing in a little olive oil or by steaming.
- This dish is ideal for a balanced, hearty dinner and can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: cod bake, anchovy recipe, baked fish dish, Mediterranean fish bake, cod with potatoes, oven-baked cod, healthy fish dinner
