Poached Cod with Spinach and Pimiento-Cayenne Purees Recipe

Poached Cod with Spinach and Pimiento-Cayenne Purees Recipe

  • a 4-ounce jar pimiento, drained
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 4 cups packed fresh spinach leaves, washed well
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • two 3/4-inch-thick cod or scrod steaks
  1. In a blender purée the pimiento with the cayenne, season the purée with salt, and reserve it in a bowl. In a saucepan cook the spinach with the water clinging to its leaves over moderate heat, covered, until it is wilted, transfer it to the blender, cleaned, or a food processor, and purée it with 2 tablespoons water. In the pan heat the spinach purée with the butter over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and keep the purée warm, covered.
  2. In a heavy saucepan large enough to hold the cod in one layer combine the cod with enough salted cold water to cover it by 1 inch, bring the water to a simmer, and in it poach the cod, covered, at a bare simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, or until it is just flakes. Divide the spinach purée between 2 plates, spoon dollops of the pimiento purée onto the spinach purée, and swirl them decoratively into the spinach purée. Transfer the cod with a slotted spatula onto the purées.