
Mediterranean Cod with Pistachio Herb Crust over Cauliflower Purée, Braised Leeks, and Warm Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
An original Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring juicy cod fillets topped with a crisp pistachio, parsley, and lemon crust. It is served over silky cauliflower purée with braised leeks and a warm sun-dried tomato, caper, and olive vinaigrette for an elegant plate full of contrast.
Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.
Ingredients
- 4 520 g cod fillets (4.5 oz cada uno)
- 1 700 g cauliflower (en floretes)
- 2 300 g leeks (solo the parte blanca and verde clara, cut por the mitad a lo largo)
- 80 g sun-dried tomatoes in oil (escurridos and chopped)
- 60 g green olives (boneless, chopped)
- 20 g capers (escurridas)
- 50 g pistachios (pelados, unsalted, chopped finos)
- 40 g breadcrumbs (preferiblemente fino)
- 20 g fresh parsley (chopped fino)
- 3 cloves garlic (1 chopped for the crust and 2 thinly sliced for the vinagreta and the puerros)
- 1 unit lemon (2 tbsp de zumo)
- 120 g plain Greek yogurt (for the puree)
- 180 ml vegetable broth (divided entre puree and puerros)
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 20 g butter (for the puree)
- 2 g dried oregano (divided)
- 2 g sweet paprika (for the crust)
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 500 ml water (for cocer the coliflor)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season them with 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 2
2. In a small bowl, mix the chopped pistachios, breadcrumbs, parsley, 1 minced garlic clove, lemon zest, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until the mixture is moist and crumbly.
- 3
3. Place the cod on a lined baking tray. Press the pistachio crust onto the top of each fillet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 220°C / 425°F, until the fish is just cooked through and the crust is golden.
- 4
4. Meanwhile, place the cauliflower and water in a medium pot with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-high heat for 12 to 14 minutes, until the cauliflower is very tender. Drain well.
- 5
5. Blend the hot cauliflower with the Greek yogurt, butter, and 60 ml / 1/4 cup vegetable broth. Add a pinch of salt and blend until smooth and silky. Keep warm.
- 6
6. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Place the leeks cut side down and cook for 3 minutes until lightly golden. Add 60 ml / 1/4 cup vegetable broth, cover, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes more, until tender. Add a pinch of salt.
- 7
7. In a small skillet, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over low heat. Add the 2 sliced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds without letting them brown too much. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, green olives, capers, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and lemon juice. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the vinaigrette is warm and fragrant.
- 8
8. To serve, divide the cauliflower purée among four plates, top with the braised leeks, and place one cod fillet over each portion. Finish with the warm sun-dried tomato, olive, and caper vinaigrette over and around the fish.
- 9
9. Serve immediately, making sure each plate includes cauliflower purée, braised leeks, pistachio-crusted cod, and enough vinaigrette to balance the dish.
Chef tips
Dry the cod very well before adding the crust so it adheres better. If you want a deeper golden finish, broil for 1 minute at the end while watching closely. The purée becomes smoother if you let the cauliflower drain for a couple of minutes before blending.
Substitutions
You can substitute the cod with hake or halibut. Pistachios can be replaced with almonds if you do not need the same flavor profile. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Greek yogurt can be replaced with thick plain yogurt.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes

Homemade Hummus
10 min

Mediterranean zucchini rolls with spiced lamb, lemon pearl barley, and warm tomato pine nut sauce
70 min

Mediterranean Roasted Chickpea and Preserved Lemon Cream
45 min

Mediterranean Lemon Chickpea Skillets with Seared Halloumi, Roasted Tomatoes, and Pistachio Crumbs
50 min

Roasted Fennel and Chickpea Crowns with Lemon Dill Yogurt
55 min

Roasted Pepper Hearts with Creamy Saffron Barley, Smoky Eggplant and Herbed Yogurt
75 min