Baked Cod with Parsley Sauce and New Potatoes
Why this recipe works
- Classic sauce method: A light roux thickens the milk into a smooth parsley sauce that coats the fish and potatoes without feeling heavy.
- Brightened richness: Lemon and Dijon cut through the butter and milk, keeping the sauce fresh rather than flat.
- Straightforward timing: The potatoes cook first, the cod bakes quickly, and the sauce comes together while everything stays warm.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Serve promptly: Cod is at its best just after resting, while it is still moist and the parsley sauce is warm and fluid.
- Use the overlap: Start the potatoes first, then bake the cod and finish the sauce while the potatoes stay covered and warm.
- Rest the fish briefly: A short rest helps the cod finish gently, but avoid leaving it too long or the flakes can dry out.
Texture tips
- Keep the cod tender: Remove the fish as soon as it turns opaque and flakes easily in the centre; thicker pieces may need the longer end of the cooking time.
- Simmer gently: Keep the parsley sauce below a hard boil once the milk is added, as harsh heat can make it split.
- Whisk in stages: Add the warm milk gradually to the roux, whisking well between additions for a smoother sauce.
Ingredient notes
- Use fresh parsley: Fresh parsley gives the sauce its clean, green flavour; dried parsley will taste flatter and less distinct.
- Choose milk to suit the sauce: Whole milk gives a fuller, rounder parsley sauce, while low-fat milk makes a lighter version that may need slightly longer to thicken.
- Balance with lemon: A final squeeze of lemon sharpens the sauce and lifts the mild flavour of the cod.
Serving ideas
- Add a green vegetable: Steamed peas, green beans or wilted spinach work well alongside the potatoes and creamy sauce.
- Finish simply: Scatter over the reserved parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness at the table.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Put the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tsp of the fine sea salt and bring to the boil.
- Simmer the potatoes for 12 to 15 minutes until just tender, then drain and return to the pot. Cover with a lid to keep warm.
- While the potatoes cook, put the cod in a baking dish and season with the remaining salt. Finely grate a little lemon zest over the fish, then squeeze over about 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Bake the cod for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness, until opaque and just flaky in the centre. Rest for 2 minutes while you finish the sauce.
- For the parsley sauce, put the bay leaves and milk in a saucepan and warm over a low heat until steaming, then take off the heat and leave to infuse for 3 minutes. Lift out and discard the bay leaves.
- In the same saucepan, melt the butter over a medium-low heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until it smells biscuity. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until smooth, then simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly thickened.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and most of the parsley, saving a little to finish. Taste and add a squeeze more lemon juice if you like it brighter.
- Serve the cod with the new potatoes and spoon the warm parsley sauce over the top. Scatter over the remaining parsley and serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best texture, take the cod out as soon as it flakes easily with a fork; it will carry on cooking slightly as it rests.
- Keep the parsley sauce at a gentle simmer after adding the milk; a hard boil can make it split.
- If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, make sure the fish is cooked until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard for a milder, more textured sauce.
- Replace whole milk with low-fat milk for a lighter sauce, simmering a minute longer to thicken.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool leftovers quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat the potatoes and cod in a 180°C (355°F) oven until piping hot, and warm the parsley sauce gently in a saucepan, stirring often and adding a splash of whole milk if needed.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 40min (15min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: British
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Allergens:
Fish Gluten Milk Wheat
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