Poached Cod With Fennel and Orange

Experience the light, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Poached Cod With Fennel and Orange. This dish celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh cod by gently simmering it in an aromatic broth infused with citrus, anise-flavored fennel, and a touch of white wine. It is a sophisticated yet simple meal that brings elegance to your dinner table in just over half an hour.

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Poaching is a wonderful way to cook delicate white fish like cod, as it preserves moisture and allows the fillets to absorb the nuances of the poaching liquid. The combination of orange zest and sliced fennel creates a fragrant base that transforms simple stock and wine into a gourmet broth.

Ingredients

• Fish & Aromatics
• 4 (150 g each) fresh cod fillets, skinless
• 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced (fronds reserved for garnish)
• 1 orange, zested and thinly sliced
• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• Poaching Liquid
• 500 ml (2 cups) low-sodium fish or vegetable stock
• 120 ml (½ cup) dry white wine
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• To Serve
• Reserved fennel fronds, chopped
• Extra orange zest
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1

In a large, deep skillet or wide saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced fennel, shallot, and garlic; cook 3–4 minutes until just softened.

Step 2

Add the orange slices, orange zest, bay leaf, wine, and stock. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3

Season the cod fillets lightly with salt and pepper. Nestle them into the poaching liquid in a single layer.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low. Cover and gently poach the cod for 8–10 minutes, or until the fillets are opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Step 5

Using a slotted spatula, carefully transfer the cod and fennel to serving plates. Spoon some poaching liquid and orange slices over the top.

Step 6

Garnish with chopped fennel fronds, extra orange zest, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, add a few fresh thyme sprigs or a splash of Pernod to the poaching liquid. These additions enhance the herbal quality of the dish and complement the anise notes of the fennel beautifully.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While cod is a classic choice, you can easily substitute it with other firm white fish such as halibut, haddock, or sea bass depending on what is fresh at your local market.

Serviervorschläge

This aromatic dish is excellent when served with steamed potatoes or a piece of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A light green salad on the side makes for a complete Mediterranean meal.

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Healthy, light, and incredibly satisfying, this Poached Cod With Fennel and Orange is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly remarkable meal. Enjoy the clean, bright flavors and the tender texture of perfectly poached seafood.

Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use other types of fish for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute cod with halibut, haddock, or sea bass. These white, flaky fish varieties respond well to gentle poaching and will absorb the aromatic flavors beautifully.

→ What can I serve with poached cod?

Steamed potatoes work wonderfully to soak up the aromatic broth, or serve with crusty bread for a complete meal. The dish also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad dressed with lemon.

→ How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is done when the fillets are opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. This typically takes 8–10 minutes of gentle poaching. Avoid overcooking, as the fish will become dry.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

This dish is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-carb. Just ensure your stock and wine choice align with your dietary needs, and you'll have a light, healthy meal suitable for various dietary preferences.

→ What herbs can I add for extra flavor?

Fresh thyme sprigs add a lovely earthy note to the poaching liquid. For a Provençal twist, add a splash of Pernod or anise-flavored liqueur, which complements the fennel beautifully.