make | gourmet: cod with creamy leeks

This week, we're showing you how to make something that looks really showy, but is actually really easy, and not too expensive either!

This was our first foray into using quark - something Emily had read about in a Delia Smith cookery book, but had never really known what to do with.  Quark is a really great substitute for any savoury recipe requiring cream or creme fraiche.  It's a cross between thick yoghurt and soft cheese, a little bit like ricotta.  Look out for different types of quark - get the lean version as it is then virtually fat free but still tastes just as good as ricotta.  It's also only about £1.25 for a 250g tub.

Any kind of white fish will do for this recipe, but if you want to add to the yumminess, you can grill the fish quickly in a griddle pan to get it a bit crispy, before baking it on top of the leeks and potatoes.

Enjoy today!!
- rosinaviolets    x

Cod with Creamy Leeks 

2 leeks, make sure you wash them well, because they can be really dirty inside, sliced 

300g new potatoes, sliced thinly

4 portions of white fish, you can keep costs down if you buy frozen, and something like coley is inexpensive, but will work just as well here.  Just defrost before use. 

100g pack of watercress 

250g tub quark 

• Preheat your oven to 200C

• Spray a big frying pan with a little oil, and fry your leeks and potatoes for about 5 minutes.  Season them, and then transfer them to a big baking dish.  Shallow and wide is better than deep and narrow.  

• Top the leeks with the portions of fish (put them in the griddle pan if you like before hand).  Cook for about 20 - 25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.  It will depend on how thick your fillets of fish are.  

• Meanwhile, use a stick blender to blend together the watercress and quark.  Season it with salt and pepper to taste.  

• Remove the fish from the oven.  Plate up the fish, and then stir half the watercress mixture into the potatoes and leeks.  Serve next to the fish, and add a dollop of the remaining watercress mixture to the fish.  

• If you like, you could do some peas on the side - go for the green!