Seared Cod and Juniper-Rosemary Lentils

Difficulty:
1/5

Ease of Preparation: Medium

Yield: 4 Servings

Cod is a fish that readily accepts flavour, and Du Puy lentils are a joy to eat as they pop on your tongue. Combining them in a dish featuring the bright citrus notes of juniper and the freshness of rosemary is a slam dunk!

Ingredients:

Du Puy Lentils:

  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 juniper berries, lightly crushed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Du Puy lentils
  • 3 cups (710 ml) vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 red pepper, finely diced
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped parsley

Cod:

  • 4 5-ounce (142 g) cod portions
  • Vegetable oil, for searing
  • Salt and pepper
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) butter
  • 6 juniper berries, lightly crushed
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • Du Puy Lentils

Method:

For the Du Puy Lentils:

Tie the rosemary sprig, bay leaf and juniper berries into cheesecloth sachet using kitchen twine.

In a large saucepan set over medium heat combine lentils, sachet, and vegetable stock.

Bring to a rapid simmer, then reduce heat to a low simmer and cook until lentils are tender, but retain their shape, 20-25 minutes.

Strain the lentils, discarding the liquid and sachet.

In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat.

Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and red pepper. Cook until softened, 4-5 minutes.

Add cooked lentils. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until warmed through.

Season with salt and pepper.

Before serving, add butter and parsley and stir gently to combine.

Serve warm with cooked cod.

For the Cod:

Dry the cod portions well with paper towels.

Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

Season the halibut portions with salt and pepper and add to the pan, presentation side down.

Cook the halibut until just warmed through, 2-3 minutes per side.

Add the butter, juniper, and rosemary. Baste the cod with the melted aromatic butter for 2-3 minutes until the fish is just cooked through and almost starting to flake.

Spoon the warm lentils onto serving plates, top with a cod portion and drizzle some of the aromatic butter over the fish.

Serve immediately.