This elegant dish combines the tender, flaky texture of pan-roasted cod (риба треска, in Bulgarian) with the smooth richness of pea-potato mash, the freshness of pea purée, and the savory crunch of crispy bacon. This dish is perfect for an upscale dinner at home, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients (for four people)
For the Cod
- 4 cod fillets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Lemon wedges for serving
For the Pea-Potato Mash
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pea Purée
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons cream or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
For the Bacon
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
For Garnish
- Fresh peas (optional for added texture)
- Fresh parsley or microgreens (optional)
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Pea-Potato Mash
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Add the peas to the boiling potatoes in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Drain, and mash with butter and milk until smooth and creamy—season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Make the Pea Purée
In a small saucepan, cook the peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and transfer to a blender or food processor. Add the butter and cream, and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pass the purée through a fine sieve to achieve a velvety texture.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
Step 4: Pan-Roast the Cod
Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper—heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip the fillets and add the butter to the pan. Baste the fish with the melted butter while cooking for 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
To plate, spread a spoonful of the pea-potato mash in the center of each plate as a canapé base. Top with a small dollop of pea purée. Place the pan-roasted cod fillet on top of the mash and purée. Sprinkle the crispy bacon crumbles over the cod. Garnish with fresh peas and parsley or microgreens if desired.
Tips and Tricks
- Crispy Skin: Ensure the cod is dry before searing, and avoid moving it during the first few minutes of cooking to achieve crispy skin.
- Smoother Purée: For an extra smooth purée, pass it through a fine sieve after blending.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine to the pan while cooking the cod for added depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
- Crispy Potatoes: A side of crispy roasted potatoes would complement the textures of the cod and bacon.
Wine Pairing
- General Wine Suggestion: A light, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio pairs well with the fresh, bright flavors of the cod and peas.
- Bulgarian Wine: A refreshing Misket or Dimyat would complement the fish’s richness and the pea purée’s smoothness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Sodium: 480 mg
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like olive oil and coconut milk.
About the Pan-Roasted Cod on Pea-Potato Mash and Pea Purée
This Pan-Roasted Cod on Pea-Potato Mash and Pea Purée offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, from the tender cod and creamy mash to the crispiness of the bacon. The peas’ sweetness and the butter’s richness combine beautifully with the delicate fish, making this a memorable dish for any occasion.
Cultural Context
This dish combines elements of European cuisine, where cod is widely enjoyed in countries like Spain, Portugal, and Croatia. Peas and potatoes are typical in Mediterranean and Northern European cooking, offering a balance of flavors and textures. Adding bacon introduces a savory, smoky contrast reminiscent of traditional British and Irish fish dishes where bacon or ham is often paired with fish for extra richness and flavor.
