Sautéed Cod With Lentils

A elegant dish combining tender French green lentils with perfectly sautéed cod fillets. The lentils are cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, while the cod is pan-seared until golden brown, creating a healthy and satisfying meal.

4 servings
1 hr 4 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried lentils
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 pieces cod fillet
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 serving garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cover lentils with cold water by 1 1/2 inches in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, until lentils are just tender, 12 to 25 minutes. Drain in a sieve set over a bowl and reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid.

    25 min

  2. 2.

    While lentils are simmering, melt butter in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, then stir in onion, garlic, and salt and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, about 10 minutes. Remove lid and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until golden, 5 to 10 minutes more.

    20 min

  3. 3.

    Stir in lentils and enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten (1/4 to 1/2 cup) and cook until heated through.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Just before serving, stir in parsley, lemon juice, pepper, and 1 tablespoon oil.

    2 min

  5. 5.

    Pat fish dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

    2 min

  6. 6.

    Heat butter and oil in a 10- to 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté fish, turning over once, until browned and just cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes total.

    8 min

  7. 7.

    Serve fish with lentils and drizzle with additional extra-virgin olive oil if desired.

    2 min