Cooking is something that always makes me happy. I've learned from so many great cooks that becoming a great cook means testing out new flavor combinations, and creating your own spin on simple recipes. This is something that has definitely been out of my comfort zone. But recently, I've been really trying to lean into flavor combinations I've had when I've gone out to eat or combinations I think sound good together. It certainly doesn't always turn out the way I hope, but that's the where I discover I'm learning the most.
Last night, I made a Lemon Butter Cod. This recipe was inspired by my favorite YouTube chef: Pasquale Sciarappa. Please watch his Lemon Butter Cod recipe because I could listen to him all day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoMBecQZhto
I have never made smashed potatoes, so last night I decided to make Smashed Potatoes with a Spicy Whipped Feta Sauce. Cod is a light, buttery fish to begin with. So, I thought the potatoes would be a good addition as well as a simple arugula salad. Recipe for the whole dinner below!
Lemon Butter Cod
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets, about 4 oz each
- 6 tbsp salted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh shallot, minced
- 1 tsp fresh tarragon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- Juice from 1/2-1 lemon
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- All purpose flour (just a little will do)
Directions
- Remove cod fillets from packaging and pat dry with paper towel
- Bring the fillets to room temperature
- While letting the cod sit, heat up a sauce pan
- In the sauce pan, combine 3 tbsp of salted butter, 4 cloves minced fresh garlic, 1 tbsp minced fresh shallot, fresh parsley, and juice of 1/2 lemon.
- Cook on very low heat letting the flavors slowly come out
- Once cod is brought to room temperature, pour a little all purpose flour onto a plate
- Lightly coat both sides of the cod fillet with all purpose flour and set aside
- Heat a large pan on high heat for a few minutes, and then pour the 2-3 tbsp of olive oil into the pan once hot
- Gently place the cod fillets into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the pan
- Cook each fillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is cooked all the way through
- Add the last 3 tbsp of butter to the sauce pan and bring sauce to a slight boil. (I added another 1/2 of lemon juice here, because I like a more citrusy flavor). Add in your fresh tarragon at this point to bring out some extra flavor
- Test out your sauce and see if you would like to do the same. Once the sauce is bubbling, remove from heat and set aside
- Plate the cod and pour the lemon butter sauce over the cod, and serve!
Tip: cod is a very delicate fish, so be extra careful not to move the cod in the pan as it cooks, and try to flip very gently
Smashed Potatoes with Spicy Whipped Feta
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of small golden potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Spicy Whipped Feta
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tsp water (for sauce)
- 1 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp fresh or dried dill
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Fill a large pot with water, sprinkle in some salt, and add the potatoes. Bring this to a boil
- Let potatoes boil for about 20-30 minutes (tip I learned is the potato is ready when you are able to easily stick a fork through it)
- Preheat oven to 425°
- Once potatoes are tender, drain and set aside
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and add potatoes to baking sheet
- Using the bottom of a small ramekin or mug, gently smash the potatoes until they are about 1/3 inch thick
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil and garlic powder
- Brush the olive oil and garlic powder mixture onto both sides of the potatoes, and sprinkle on some salt and pepper
- Place the baking sheet into the oven for 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes half way (make sure to keep an eye on them because they can cook fast. The potatoes should have a nice crisp on the outside).
- While the potatoes are cooking in the oven, combine all ingredients for the Spicy Whipped Feta except for the fresh parsley into a food processor. Mix everything together.
- Remove potatoes from oven and let them slightly cool
- Add a dollop of the Spicy Whipped Feta sauce to each potato, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve!
Arugula Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups arugula
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine arugula, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper.
- Mix in freshly grated parmesan cheese (use your own discretion for however much you want. I tend to like more).
- Mix everything together and serve!
Tip: when making this all together, make sure to start with the potatoes as they take the longest!