I think this might be the first cod recipe ever to appear on the blog!  I really do enjoy eating fish, but I prefer to let others do the cooking.  And while I usually like fish that’s prepared very simply, there was something about this recipe for Baked Cod Casserole that appealed to me.  Cod is a very mild tasting fish, but this dish is packed with herbs and spices including thyme, black pepper, and paprika.  The sauteed onions and spinach also add a lot of flavor.  And of course, every casserole needs a breadcrumb and cheese topping.

Although I really enjoyed this casserole, I used a bit of smoked Gouda (leftover from last week’s quiche) and it didn’t melt well at all.  The original recipe called for Gruyere cheese, which would be a much better choice.  Besides that, I wouldn’t change a thing.  This was a great way to enjoy fish in a one dish meal.

I think the only way to become more comfortable cooking fish is to do it more often.  If you want to incorporate more fish into your diet but are concerned about sustainability, I recommend the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.  I use this site to guide my seafood purchases, and this cod was rated “Good Alternative” which means it is not a “Best Choice” but also not a fish which they recommend to “Avoid”.  My goal is to cook another fish recipe using a “Best Choice” soon!

Baked Cod with Spinach and Onions

1 T canola oil
2 large Vidalia onions, sliced thinly
1 (10 oz.) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 c. white wine
1 lb. cod, or other white fish
1 t thyme
1/2 t black pepper
2/3 c. whole wheat seasoned breadcrumbs
1 t smoked paprika
1 t garlic powder
1/2 c. shredded cheese

Heat oil in a large frying pan.  Saute onions for 25-30 minutes until soft and golden brown.  Add spinach and wine, and cook for 5-10 minutes until wine is slightly reduced.  Place mixture in the bottom of an 11″ x 7″ or 13″ x 9″ glass dish.  Lay fish on top, and sprinkle with thyme and black pepper.  Cover with foil, and bake at 350F for 8-10 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder.  Spread on top of fish, followed by shredded cheese.  Bake uncovered at 400F for another 10 minutes, or until fish is done.

-Adapted from Eating Well

• Main Dishes