Cod Poached in Harissa Tomato Sauce
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Total: 20 mins
Flaky cod fillets poached in a rich, fiery harissa spiced tomato and red pepper sauce, served with spinach-stuffed couscous to catch every last delectable drop.
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545 kcal
(per portion)
Ingredients you'll need
  • 1 onion
  • 1 red pepper
  • ½-1 tsp harissa paste
  • 400g chopped tomatoes
  • 100g baby leaf spinach
  • 150g wholewheat couscous
  • 2 cod fillets
From your kitchen
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 450ml boiling water
You'll need
  • Deep frying pan with lid
  • Baking tray (optional)
Step by step this way
  • 1.

    Fill and boil your kettle. Peel and finely chop the onion. Halve the red pepper and scoop out the seeds and white pith. Roughly chop the pepper.

  • 2.

    Warm a deep frying pan that will fit the 2 cod fillets in snugly (don’t add them yet) on a medium heat, then pour in 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the chopped veg. Fry, stirring now and then for 5 mins till softened.

  • 3.

    When the veg has cooked for 5 mins, add ½-1 tsp harissa paste (it's very spicy, so use as much or as little as you prefer) with a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and 150ml hot water from the kettle. Pop on a lid (or use a baking tray if you don't have a lid to fit) then bring up to a gentle bubble. Simmer for 5 mins.

  • 4.

    Roughly chop the baby spinach leaves and pop them into a large bowl. Tip in the couscous with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour over 300ml hot water from the kettle. Cover the bowl with a plate and leave to soak for 8-10 mins. The couscous will absorb the water and become tender.

  • 5.

    When the tomato sauce has cooked for 5 mins, lay the cod fillets into the sauce, spooning some over the top. Pop the lid or tray back on the pan and simmer for a further 5 mins. Insert a knife into the thickest part of a fillet. It should be translucent and flaky. If not, put the lid back on and cook for a further 1-2 mins till the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork when gently pressed.

  • 6.

    While the fish is poaching, finish the couscous. Fluff it with a fork, mixing the spinach through. Add some more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Divide the couscous between a couple of plates, ready to serve.

  • 7.

    Carefully lift the cod out of the sauce and on to the plates of spinach couscous. Spoon over plenty of the spiced tomato and pepper sauce to serve.

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