Baked Cod Butternut Squash (Print out)

Tender cod with roasted butternut squash, spinach, and a vibrant tomato-herb sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Vegetables

01 - 4 skinless, boneless cod fillets (5 oz each)
02 - 1 lb peeled butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes
03 - 4 cups fresh baby spinach
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Tomato-Herb Sauce

06 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
12 - ½ tsp sea salt, plus additional to taste
13 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1 tsp sugar or maple syrup (optional)
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish

→ For Serving

16 - Lemon wedges
17 - Freshly cracked black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large ovenproof baking dish.
02 - Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly in the baking dish and roast for 15 minutes until beginning to soften.
03 - While the squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika if using, salt, pepper, and optional sugar or maple syrup. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to enhance flavors.
05 - Remove roasted squash from the oven. Evenly scatter baby spinach over the squash, then pour the tomato-herb sauce over the vegetables.
06 - Place cod fillets atop the vegetables and sauce. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
07 - Bake the assembled dish for 15 to 18 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
08 - Remove foil, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges alongside freshly cracked black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutritious and gluten-free main dish
  • Mediterranean-inspired flavors with simple ingredients
02 -
  • You can substitute cod with haddock, pollock, or halibut
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
03 -
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat
  • Garnish with more fresh parsley or lemon for extra brightness
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