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Cod & Anchovy Bake Recipe

5 from 93 reviews

A hearty and flavorful baked cod dish layered with anchovy-seasoned potatoes, a rich tomato and red pepper sauce, and a golden cheddar topping, served with wilted baby spinach. This comforting meal combines tender fish with vibrant vegetables and a hint of thyme for a satisfying and nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato & Onion Mixture

  • 1 large or 2 medium potatoes, sliced into 5mm-thick rounds (about 280g)
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced (about 160g)
  • 1 tbsp thyme leaves
  • 10g anchovies, finely chopped
  • Black pepper, to taste

Tomato & Pepper Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil
  • 1 red pepper, quartered, deseeded and sliced
  • 2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped (about 250g)
  • 1 tsp white wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp vegetable bouillon powder
  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated

Main & Toppings

  • 2 skinless, boneless cod loins (280g)
  • 25g cheddar, finely grated
  • 250g baby spinach, wilted, to serve

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potato and onion: Boil the sliced potatoes and thinly sliced onions in boiling water for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain well, then gently mix them with thyme leaves, finely chopped anchovies, and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
  2. Cook the pepper and tomato sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or rapeseed oil in a pan. Add the sliced red peppers, cover, and cook for 5 minutes to soften. Add the chopped tomatoes, white wine vinegar, vegetable bouillon powder, and finely grated garlic to the pan. Continue to cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the sauce thickens, cooking off excess liquid as needed to achieve a rich consistency.
  3. Assemble the bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. In a shallow ovenproof dish, lay the cod loins flat. Spoon the cooked tomato and red pepper mixture evenly over the cod, then layer the anchovy-seasoned potato and onion mixture on top. Sprinkle the finely grated cheddar cheese over the surface.
  4. Bake the dish: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling, and the cod flakes easily when tested with a fork but remains moist.
  5. Serve: Prepare the baby spinach by wilting it gently (e.g., in a dry pan or microwave) and serve it alongside the baked cod and potato dish for a nutritious, well-rounded meal.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Use fresh cod loins for best texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer a stronger anchovy flavor, increase the amount slightly, but be cautious as it can become overpowering.
  • You can substitute cheddar with another melting cheese if desired.
  • This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad if additional sides are desired.

Keywords: cod bake, anchovy cod recipe, baked cod with potatoes, healthy fish bake, tomato and pepper cod, layered cod casserole