​Coriander-Crusted Baked Cod with Leeks

Recipes usually tell you to discard the dark green leek tops. Show them some love with this healthy baked cod recipe! Cooking the leek tops a bit longer makes them meltingly delicious. They're also high in fructans, a type of prebiotic fiber that contributes to good gut health.
​Ingredients
  • 2 large or 4 small leeks (1 1/2-2 pounds total)
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish 
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon salt plus a pinch, divided
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
  • 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 1 ¼ pounds cod, cut into 4 portions
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
​​

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 4 oz. cod, 1 cup braised leeks & 1/4 cup frizzled leeks
Per Serving: 338 calories; protein 19.6g; carbohydrates 12g; dietary fiber 1.9g; sugars 3.1g; fat 21.9g; saturated fat 3.1g; cholesterol 55.8mg; vitamin a iu 1294.8IU; vitamin c 10.5mg; folate 56.3mcg; calcium 67.3mg; iron 2.1mg; magnesium 51.3mg; potassium 451.7mg; sodium 445.8mg.
​Directions
  • Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Step 2: Trim leek roots and any brown tips off the greens and discard. Cut off 2 inches of the white ends and cut into thin strips; set aside. Cut the remaining light and dark green portions in half lengthwise and rinse well to clean between the layers without pulling them apart. Pat dry. (See Tip.)
  • Step 3: Arrange the leek greens cut-side down in a 9-by-13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Nestle thyme sprigs between them and drizzle with 3 tablespoons oil, wine and water. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cover tightly with foil and transfer to the oven.
  • Step 4: Braise the leeks until very soft and starting to brown, about 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the liquid has evaporated and the leeks are lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes more.
  • Step 5: Meanwhile, toast coriander seeds in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Transfer to a mortar and pestle and lightly crush or coarsely grind in a spice grinder.
  • Step 6: Add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil to the pan over medium-high heat. Add the reserved leek whites and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the frizzled leeks to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving as much of the oil in the pan as possible. Sprinkle the leeks with a pinch of salt.
  • Step 7: Season cod with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Return the pan to medium-high heat. Add the cod to the hot oil and cook for 4 minutes. Turn the cod over, brush with mustard and sprinkle with the coriander. Cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork, 2 to 4 minutes more.
  • Step 8: Divide the braised leeks among 4 plates. Top with the cod and frizzled leeks. Garnish with thyme, if desired.
Tips
Tip: How to Prep Leeks: Trim the root end and 1 inch off the leek greens. Cut 2 inches off of the white end; halve it and cut lengthwise into thin strips. Cut the remaining light and dark green portions in half lengthwise. Rinse well to clean between layers without pulling them apart. Pat dry.