Cod with Turmeric and Garam Masala offers a fresh and flavorful take on pan-fried cod fillets. Turmeric brings a bright, golden color and garam masala contributes warm, deep, aromatic essence to this easy to prepare recipe without adding any spicy or hot element. With its short preparation and cooking time, Cod with Turmeric and Garam Masala is a good choice for a simple and savory weeknight dinner. Serve Cod with Turmeric and Garam Masala with Herbed Zucchini with Ginger and Garlic or Sauteed Mushrooms with Herbs and Sherry accompanied by a very chilled dry white wine for an elegant and colorful dinner.
Prep Time: 40 minutes, Cooking Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 50 minutes. Serves 2.
Ingredients:
- 1 – 1 ½ lbs deboned Cod fillets
- ¼ tsp fine Sea Salt
- ½ tsp ground Turmeric
- ½ tsp Garam Masala*
- ½ tsp granulated Garlic
- 3 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided into 1 tablespoon and 2 tablespoons
- 2 Tbs Unsalted Butter
- 3 Tbs thinly sliced Green Onions/Scallions
- Freshly-squeezed Juice of 1 Lemon
Preparation:
- Combine the sea salt, turmeric, garam masala, granulated garlic, and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a bowl to form a seasoning rub for the fish.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel, place them on a tray or dish and rub the seasoning into all sides of the cod fillets. Allow the seasoned cod fillets to rest for 30 minutes.
- Slice the green onions/scallions and set aside.
- After 30 minutes, add the remaining two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and the unsalted butter to a wide frying pan over a medium-high heat, swirling the melting butter into the olive oil.
- When the olive oil/butter mixture is bubbling, place the seasoned cod fillets into the pan and fry, uncovered, until browned on the bottom sides.
- Gently turn the cod fillets over to brown the other side and sprinkle the sliced green onions/scallions around the cod fillets.
- When the cod fillets have browned on the bottom sides, pour the lemon juice over the cod and scallions in the pan, sauté uncovered for 1 minute to reduce the liquid, then gently plate the cod fillets and spoon the sauce over them.
- Serve Cod with Turmeric and Garam Masala immediately with a very chilled dry white wine.
*Note:
- Garam masala is a spice blend widely used in Indian cuisine. Whole cinnamon, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cardamon pods and mace are dry toasted in a pan to release their aromatic essences, and then ground to a powder to make garam masala. Garam masala can be purchased in supermarkets, Indian spice shops and grocery stores and online.