35-Minute cod curry: A nutritious dinner

Servings: 2

Preparation time: 35 minutes

This Cod in Coconut Curry is a tasty weeknight dinner idea. Ready in just about 35 minutes, it offers a satisfying, flavorful meal without the need for hours in the kitchen.

This dish is more than just delicious—it's packed with nutrients. Cod is a lean protein that's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. The curry powder, with its turmeric base, brings anti-inflammatory benefits, while the coconut milk adds healthy fats that support brain function. Paired with tenderstem broccoli, which is full of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, this meal is a nutritional powerhouse.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from my love of takeaways. I adore the rich, comforting flavours you get with a good takeaway curry, but I don’t always want to treat myself to one, especially knowing they can be packed with unknown ingredients. That’s why I played around with this dish—so I could enjoy those same indulgent flavours at home, knowing exactly what’s going into it. With this recipe, you get all the satisfaction of a takeaway but with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. If you’re not a fan of cod, you can easily substitute another white fish like haddock, or even chicken. The light coconut milk keeps things on the healthier side, but you can use full-fat coconut milk if you prefer a richer sauce. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

The best part? It’s quick and straightforward, with easy-to-follow steps and ingredients you likely already have on hand. Serve it with a side of rice and steamed broccoli, and you’ve got a complete, nourishing meal that’s sure to become a family favourite.

So next time you’re looking for a dinner that’s both wholesome and satisfying, give this cod coconut curry a try. It’s a little bit of comfort, a little bit of indulgence, and a lot of deliciousness—all in just 35 minutes.

Letty Spaghetti x

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cod fillets (or any other white fish)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ white onion, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger

• 4 large tomatoes, sliced

• Juice from ½ a lemon

• 2 tbsp curry powder (I’ve gone for mild, you can spice it up if you like!) 

• 1 can light coconut milk (or full-fat, if preferred)

• Handful of coriander

• 8 small broccoli florets

• Salt (for the pasta water and seasoning the sauce)

• 2 boil-in-a-bag rice packets

• Pepper (for seasoning the sauce)

• Optional: 1 tbsp of cornstarch, mixed with water (if sauce doesn’t thicken)

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METHOD

• Start by peeling and finely chopping ½ an onion into small squares. Next, peel and finely chop 1 tbsp of ginger. Peel your 4 garlic cloves and set them aside for mincing later. Wash the 4 tomatoes and slice them into even pieces.

• Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan. Once hot, sear the cod fillets for 2 minutes on each side, then remove them from the pan and set aside.

• Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pan. Add the chopped onion and ginger, cooking for 1 minute, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

• While the aromatics are cooking, heat two pans of water—one for the rice and one for the broccoli.

• Add the sliced tomatoes to the pan with the aromatics. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes until they soften.

• Once the water is boiling, add salt and place the rice packets in the water.

• Once the tomatoes have softened enough to break up with a spoon, stir in 2 tbsp of curry powder and cook for 1 minute. Then, squeeze in the juice from ½ a lemon, add the coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for 10 minutes.

• Meanwhile, add the broccoli to the other pan of boiling water and cook for 6-8 minutes.

• After the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes and started to thicken (if this doesn’t happen, add 1 tbsp of cornstarch mixed with a little water), return the cod fillets to the pan. Cover with a lid and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.

• Once the fish is cooked, top with fresh coriander. Plate up the rice, add the broccoli, and place the cod on the plate, making sure to cover it with the tasty sauce. Enjoy!