"Pistachio-Crusted Cod with Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, combining crispy, nutty crusted cod with zesty, herb-infused couscous. It’s an elegant yet simple dish, perfect for a quick, healthy dinner or an impressive meal for guests."
Pistachio Crusted Cod with Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous
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Recipe Description
This Pistachio Crusted Cod with Lemon Herb and Pearl Couscous recipe offers a delightful blend of crispy textures, vibrant herbs, and fresh flavors. It’s an elegant yet approachable dish perfect for a light dinner or a special occasion. The recipe highlights prominent Mediterranean ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, lemon, parsley, and thyme, combined with the nutty richness of pistachios and fluffy pearl couscous. Each element complements one another, creating a harmonious meal that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful.
Cod fillets are the perfect base for the crunchy, nutty crust. Cod is a lean, mild white fish that flakes beautifully when baked, and it absorbs flavors well. The pistachio crust adds a savory crunch and a depth of flavor thanks to the addition of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and extra virgin olive oil. The buttery pistachios pair wonderfully with the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese.
The lemon herb pearl, or Israeli couscous, is the perfect side to complement the pistachio crusted cod. This type of couscous is large and chewy. Toasting it lightly before simmering enhances its nutty flavor and keeps the grains light and fluffy. Infusing the couscous with garlic, onion, lemon, and fresh herbs including parsley, basil, and thyme brings a refreshing, aromatic touch that balances the overall richness of the fish.
This dish is also incredibly nutritious. Cod is low in fat, high in protein, and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Pistachios provide healthy fats and antioxidants, while the couscous offers slow-digesting carbohydrates for sustained energy. Adding fresh herbs and lemon juice boosts the dish with vitamins and antioxidants, making this meal both flavorful and health-conscious.
The recipe is rooted in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, which emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients, while the pistachio crust and couscous introduce a Middle Eastern flair. This fusion of influences makes it a versatile dish, appealing to those who enjoy global flavors with a contemporary twist.
While it looks fancy enough to serve for a dinner party, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, with just a few simple steps. The cod and couscous can be on the table in about 45 minutes, making it suitable for special occasions and casual weeknight dinners. The pistachio-crusted cod bakes quickly in the oven while the couscous simmers on the stovetop. This timing ensures everything is ready to serve simultaneously, without the stress of juggling multiple tasks.
For an elegant presentation, spoon the lemon herb pearl couscous onto each plate as a base. Gently place the pistachio-crusted cod fillet on top, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. When squeezed over the dish, a lemon wedge on the side adds a pop of color and a final burst of brightness.
Pistachio Crusted Cod with Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous will impress guests while remaining simple for everyday cooking. The balance of textures and flavors – crunchy, flaky, chewy, and fresh – makes every bite enjoyable. Whether craving a healthy seafood dinner or a unique meal to serve at your next gathering, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
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Prep time: 20mins
Cook time: 30mins
Serves or Makes: 4
Recipe Card
ingredients
For the Pistachio Crusted Cod
- 4 fillets of cod
- 1 cup pistachios
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt and ground black pepper
ingredients
For the Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups water
- 1 small finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped basil
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme
- 1 juiced and zested lemon
- to taste salt and ground black pepper
Method
For the Pistachio Crusted Cod
Step 1
Prepare the Pistachio Crust: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the chopped pistachios, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Blend until the pistachios are finely chopped and the mixture is well combined. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and mix until it’s evenly combined.
Step 2
Coat the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and ground black pepper. Spread the pistachio mixture over the top of the cod fillets and gently press down until it’s firmly adhered.
Step 3
Bake the Cod: Transfer the cod fillets to the prepared baking sheet, crust side up. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is lightly browned and crunchy.
For the Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous
Step 1
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until it’s fragrant.
Step 2
Toast the Couscous: Add the pearl couscous and stir for 2-3 minutes until it turns lightly golden.
Step 3
Cook the Couscous: Add 2 cups of water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the couscous simmer for 15 minutes until the couscous is tender and the water is absorbed.
Step 4
Add the Lemon and Herbs: Remove from heat and fluff the couscous with a fork. Stir in the parsley, basil, thyme, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
To Serve
Step 1
Serve: Spoon a generous portion of the lemon herb pearl couscous onto each plate. Place the pistachio-crusted cod fillet on top of the couscous. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a wedge of lemon.