Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Cod in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
🐟 Ingredients:
For the fish:
4 cod fillets (about 5-6 oz each)
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the roasted red pepper sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp grated Parmesan or feta cheese for extra flavor
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
🔥 Instructions:
Season the Cod:
Pat cod fillets dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Sear the Fish:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear cod fillets for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add chopped roasted red peppers, broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Blend the Sauce:
Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend until smooth.
Return to the skillet, stir in heavy cream, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Finish the Dish:
Nestle the seared cod into the sauce. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until fish is cooked through and flaky.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, couscous, or sautéed greens.
🍽️ Chef’s Tips:
Try adding a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
Substitute cod with haddock, halibut, or sea bass if preferred.