Baked Cod with Couscous and Steamed Asparagus

Ingredients

• Cod fillet 120 g
• Couscous, cooked 150 g
• Asparagus 100 g
• Olive oil 1 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedge 1 piece

Method

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) and allow it to preheat fully. This ensures the cod cooks evenly and develops a nice texture.
   Tip: Preheating the oven before placing the fish inside helps it cook properly without sticking.
2. Prepare the cod fillet. Pat the cod fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. Drizzle the 1 tsp olive oil over the fillet, then season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
   Tip: Drying the fish helps it bake better and prevents it from steaming in the oven.
3. Bake the cod. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven. Bake the cod for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
   Tip: Check the fish at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking, as cod can become dry if baked too long.
4. Prepare the asparagus. While the cod bakes, rinse the asparagus under cold water and trim the woody ends by bending each stalk gently until it snaps naturally. Fill a pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a steamer basket over the pot and add the asparagus. Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
   Tip: Avoid over-steaming to keep the asparagus crisp and retain nutrients.
5. Warm the couscous. If your couscous is pre-cooked and cooled, warm it gently in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1-2 minutes or reheat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
   Tip: Add a small splash of water or broth when reheating couscous to keep it moist.
6. Plate and serve. Arrange the warm couscous on a plate, place the baked cod fillet on top or beside it, and add the steamed asparagus. Optionally, squeeze a lemon wedge over the fish and vegetables for a fresh citrus flavor.
   Tip: Serving immediately ensures the best taste and texture.

Pro tips

• Use fresh cod for the best flavor and texture; if using frozen, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight.
• To add extra flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill over the finished dish.