Cod & Broccoli Bake
A perfect way to introduce fish to your family, the flavours in this tasty bake are very mild so children, and those that are not big fish eaters, will really enjoy it.
SERVES
4
PEOPLE
PREP TIME
10
MINUTES
COOKING TIME
20
MINUTES
Ingredients
150g broccoli florets
200ml double cream
150ml water
1 bay leaf
200g fresh cod, cut into large chunks
2 tsp cornflour
1 tbsp cold water
80g white cheddar cheese, grated
1 tsp mustard ¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp each of fresh dill and parsley, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
For the topping:
50g butter
300g breadcrumbs
200g grated cheddar
Method
Steam the broccoli for just 8 minutes over a simmering pan of water. You don’t want it fully cooked as it will cook further in the oven.
Add the double cream, water, and bay leaf to a wide-bottomed pan and bring to a simmer.
Carefully add the cod pieces to the pan and poach for 8 minutes until the fish flakes away easily when prodded with a fork. Remove the cod from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Mix the cornflour with 1 tablespoon cold water and add the liquid that poached the cod into the pan for 2-3 minutes until a sauce consistency develops.
Add in the white cheddar, mustard, nutmeg, dill and parsley.
Season well with salt and pepper.
Taste and season more if required. Add more cream if required.
Remove the bay leaf.
Lay the par-cooked broccoli into an ovenproof dish and arrange the cod around it.
Pour the sauce over the fish and broccoli.
For the gratin top, combine the breadcrumbs and cheese together in a bowl.
Melt the butter in a saucepan and add to the breadcrumbs and cheese mixture.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb, cheese and butter mixture over the top of the fish and broccoli.
Place under a hot grill for 3 minutes until golden or oven bake for 10-12 minutes at 200°C, 180°C fan, gas 6.
Serve with mash or boiled potatoes and green peas.
