Simple Cod Mornay Recipe: Buttery Seafood Elegance at Home

Delightful cod mornay brings a touch of French coastal charm to your dinner table.

Smooth, creamy sauce envelops tender fish in a luxurious embrace.

Coastal kitchens have long celebrated this classic seafood dish with its rich, velvety texture.

Cheese lovers will adore the golden-brown crust that adds a perfect crunch to every bite.

Memories of seaside restaurants come flooding back with each forkful of this comforting meal.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical on your plate.

You can easily master this elegant recipe that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.

Why Delia Smith Cod Mornay Is A Comfort Food Favorite

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: Dive into a creamy, cheesy fish dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen.
• Tackle Nutritious Dining: Packed with protein-rich cod and nutrient-dense kale, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that keeps health-conscious eaters satisfied.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Technique: Learn classic sauce-making skills with a foolproof roux that builds confidence for aspiring home chefs, making complex cooking feel like a breeze.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different fish types or greens to match your pantry, creating a flexible recipe that adapts to your personal taste and available ingredients.

What Goes In Delia Smith Cod Mornay

• Cod: A mild, flaky white fish that serves as the protein base for this comforting dish.
• Kale: A nutritious green vegetable that adds texture and earthy flavor to the baked fish.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce base.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a classic roux.
• Milk: Creates a creamy, smooth sauce that binds the dish together.
• Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and creates a golden, melted topping.

• Breadcrumbs, Salt, Pepper: Provide a crispy texture and enhance the overall seasoning of the dish.

How To Make Delia Smith Cod Mornay At Home

Step 1: Prepare Fish and Greens

Slice the cod into bite-sized pieces. Spread a layer of fresh, crisp kale across the bottom of a baking dish. Gently arrange the cod chunks on top of the kale, creating an even layer.

Step 2: Create Roux Base

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, stirring constantly to form a smooth, golden roux. Continue stirring to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Sauce

Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking continuously. Maintain a steady motion to ensure the sauce becomes silky and free of any clumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Blend Cheese Into Sauce

Remove the saucepan from heat. Sprinkle in half of the grated cheese, stirring until it melts completely and integrates into the sauce. The cheese will add richness and depth to the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Assemble and Top the Dish

• Remaining cheese
• Crispy breadcrumbs

Ensure the entire surface is covered with the toppings.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven. Bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the sauce bubbles around the edges. The dish should look tempting and smell irresistible.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier. Plate and enjoy the delightful combination of tender cod, creamy sauce, and crispy topping.

Tips For Creamy And Rich Delia Smith Cod Mornay

• Select Fresh Seafood: Choose high-quality, firm cod fillets without any strong fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Create Smooth Sauce: Whisk milk gradually into the roux to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy consistency for the mornay sauce.
• Balance Cheese Flavors: Mix different cheeses like gruyère and cheddar to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Prevent Soggy Topping: Toast breadcrumbs briefly before sprinkling to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust that doesn't become wet.
• Control Baking Time: Watch the dish closely during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent overcooking and maintain the fish's delicate texture.

Variations Of Delia Smith Cod Mornay To Explore

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Ocean Bake: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly alternative that adds crunch and reduces carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Sea Delight: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and nutritional yeast in place of cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
• Protein Power Bowl: Substitute cod with salmon or white fish like haddock, maintaining the recipe's core technique while offering protein variety.

Best Sides To Serve With Delia Smith Cod Mornay

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the delicate cod flavors.
• Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Grill asparagus spears with olive oil and lemon to provide a fresh, green contrast to the rich, cheesy fish dish.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Use a rustic, slightly tangy sourdough to soak up the decadent Mornay sauce and add textural crunch to the meal.
• Complement with Light Citrus Salad: Toss mixed greens with orange segments and a bright vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a refreshing element.

Storage Tips For Delia Smith Cod Mornay

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the dish covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container, lasting up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if kale looks wilted.
• Preheat to 160C, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 2-3 minutes to crisp breadcrumbs.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Use medium power to prevent sauce from separating or becoming rubbery.

FAQs On Delia Smith Cod Mornay

• Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock, pollock, or halibut. They have similar textures and will work well in this recipe.

• Is kale necessary for this dish?

Not really. You can replace kale with spinach, Swiss chard, or even skip the greens entirely if you prefer. The dish will still taste delicious.

• What kind of cheese works best?

Gruyère or cheddar are excellent choices. They melt smoothly and add rich, tangy flavor to the mornay sauce. Opt for a good quality cheese for the best results.

• How do I know the fish is cooked properly?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. When it reaches 145°F internal temperature, it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

Cod Mornay Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Cod Mornay elevates classic seafood with a rich, creamy French-inspired sauce that blends delicate fish and velvety cheese. Comfort meets elegance on your plate, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 600 grams (21.16 ounces) cod loin or fillets
• 1 liter (4.22 cups) milk
• 250 grams (8.82 ounces) cheddar cheese, grated

Secondary Ingredients:

• 80 grams (2.82 ounces) butter
• 80 grams (2.82 ounces) plain flour
• 80 grams (2.82 ounces) kale

Topping:

• 25 grams (0.88 ounces) breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Arrange cod pieces in a single layer within a greased baking dish, nestling fresh kale leaves between the fish sections.
2. Create a classic roux by gently melting butter in a saucepan, then gradually incorporating flour while whisking continuously until smooth and golden.
3. Gradually stream milk into the roux, stirring consistently to prevent lumps and develop a silky, creamy sauce with consistent texture.
4. Remove sauce from heat and fold in half of the grated cheese, allowing residual warmth to melt the cheese and integrate flavors seamlessly.
5. Generously drape the prepared cheese sauce over the cod and kale, ensuring complete coverage of the fish.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs evenly across the surface to create a crisp, golden topping.
7. Transfer dish to preheated oven at 200°C and bake for 20 minutes, monitoring until surface turns golden brown and sauce begins to bubble around edges.
8. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps settle the sauce and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Swap white fish for sustainable alternatives like haddock or pollock to reduce environmental impact.
• Add capers or chopped herbs like dill or parsley to the cheese sauce for extra flavor complexity.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Ensure cod is fresh and pat dry before layering to prevent excess moisture that could make the dish watery.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 626 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg