This Cod Fillet with Cabbage, Fried Onions, and Spaghetti is an innovative dish that combines various textures and flavors to create a refined, gourmet experience. The delicate cod fillet is pan-seared and served with sautéed cabbage, crispy fried onions, and a bed of spaghetti. A creamy mustard sauce combines all the elements, making it a visually stunning and mouthwatering meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 60 minutes
Ingredients (for four people)
For the Cod Fillet
- 4 cod fillets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fish or vegetable stock
- Fresh dill or thyme for garnish
For the Fried Onions
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup flour (for dredging)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Cabbage
- 1/2 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti
- 250g spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Fried Onions
Heat vegetable oil to medium-high heat in a large skillet or deep fryer. Dredge the thinly sliced onions in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Fry the onions in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside for garnish.
Step 2: Cook the Cabbage
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced cabbage and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is softened and slightly caramelized. Stir in white wine vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 4: Pan-Sear the Cod Fillets
Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Place the cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Mustard Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and stock, stirring to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
To plate, create a bed of sautéed cabbage on the plate and top with a portion of spaghetti. Place the pan-seared cod fillet on top of the spaghetti and cabbage. Drizzle with the mustard cream sauce, and garnish with the crispy fried onions. Finish with fresh dill or thyme for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips and Tricks
- Crispy Onions: Ensure the onions are well-coated with flour and fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to sogginess.
- Cod Fillet: To ensure the cod fillet stays moist, avoid overcooking. It should flake easily when done but still retain moisture.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the mustard cream sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Green Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the cod and mustard sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: For added color and flavor, consider serving the dish with roasted carrots or asparagus on the side.
Wine Pairing
- General Wine Suggestion: A light Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc will cut through the richness of the mustard cream sauce.
- Bulgarian Wine: A Tamianka or Riesling from Bulgaria would pair nicely with the fresh and rich flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 580 mg
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative for the fried onions.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use plant-based butter for the cod.
About the Cod Fillet with Cabbage, Fried Onions, and Spaghetti
This Cod Fillet with Cabbage, Fried Onions, and Spaghetti is a beautifully plated, innovative dish that combines several textures and flavors. The tender, flaky cod pairs perfectly with the caramelized cabbage and al dente spaghetti, while the crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch. The rich mustard cream sauce ties everything together, making this dish an authentic gourmet experience.
Cultural Context
This recipe reflects a modern European approach to cooking, elevating classic ingredients like cod, cabbage, and mustard with innovative techniques and presentations. The dish incorporates Mediterranean and French cuisine elements, where cod is frequently paired with creamy sauces, fresh vegetables, and crispy textures. Adding fried onions brings a comforting and familiar touch to an otherwise elegant dish, showcasing a balance between tradition and innovation.