Save to Pinterest Tender cod fillets baked atop sweet roasted butternut squash and wilted spinach, all nestled in a vibrant tomato-herb sauce. A wholesome, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
The first time I made this recipe, my whole family was amazed by how the butternut squash paired with the tender cod and the tangy tomato sauce. It's become our weeknight favorite whenever we crave something comforting but healthy.
Ingredients
- Cod fillets: 4 pieces, about 150 g (5 oz) each, skinless and boneless
- Butternut squash: 500 g (1 lb), peeled and cut into 1.5 cm (½-inch) cubes
- Fresh baby spinach: 120 g (4 cups)
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika (optional): ½ tsp
- Sea salt: ½ tsp, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Sugar or maple syrup (optional): 1 tsp, to balance acidity
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Lemon wedges: for serving
- Freshly cracked black pepper: for serving
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large ovenproof dish.
- Roast butternut squash:
- Toss squash cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread in baking dish. Roast for 15 minutes until just softening.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3,4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Make tomato-herb sauce:
- Stir in tomato paste, cook 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar or maple syrup if using. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Layer vegetables and sauce:
- Remove squash from oven. Scatter spinach over squash. Pour tomato-herb sauce evenly on top.
- Add fish and bake:
- Nestle cod fillets on top of vegetables. Season fish with salt and pepper. Cover dish loosely with foil.
- Bake until cooked:
- Bake for 15,18 minutes, or until cod is opaque and flakes easily.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove foil, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Save to Pinterest My children love helping me sprinkle parsley on top before serving. This dish always brings lively conversation and smiles to our dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
For a heartier meal, pair with quinoa, brown rice, or crusty gluten-free bread. A side salad works perfectly too.
Allergen & Dietary Info
Contains fish. Gluten-free as written. Always check packaged ingredients for potential allergens.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving: 295 calories, 7 g fat, 23 g carbohydrates, 34 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This is a colorful, nourishing dish that is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy the vibrant Mediterranean flavors with every bite.