5 minute meal.

it's all about timing, baby!
seriously, 5 minutes to make this entree with two sides.
(ok well, maybe 8 minutes max, depending on how fast you can move and chop in the kitchen...)

i guess i should probably set this up first...

last night, an abundant amount of fresh fish fillets (cod) fell upon my lap that would of gone unused or dumped if i hadn't taken it. as i had the day off of work and the possibility that this fish may be on its way out, i decided to cook the little guys up. inspired by the fact that i've been working with a few spices and having a serious lack of "eating my colors" in my diet, i picked up some red potatoes and brocollini to go with my fish.

spiced cod fillet with herbed red potatoes and steamed broccolini:

this meal is quick and easy and will get dinner on the table in no time at all. just get a pot of water on to steam some broccolini and, a couple pans with lids, hot and ready to pan fry some fish and potatoes.

6oz cod fillets, thinly cut
ground cumin
ground coriander
ground cardamom
salt and pepper

herbed potatoes:
(serving 1)
2 red potatoes, small diced
1 sprig fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
1 sprig fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
(or any other herbs you have on hand)
salt and pepper, to taste

steamed broccolini:
bunch of broccolini
salt and pepper
1/2 lemon

first, get your steamer going so that it is ready to go when you want to throw in the broccolini. heat two pans over med/high heat. while your pans are heating up, chop your potatoes up into little dice and toss in the herbs, a sprinkle of salt and pepper and a bit of olive oil to coat.  throw it into your pan and let it start to brown on all sides (which means, let it be for a minute before you start to move the pan around).  next, sprinkle equal parts, cumin, coriander, and cardamom ( about 1 tsp each, per side) onto both sides of the fish so that you get a nice spice crust. salt and pepper both sides as well.

put some oil in the hot pan and sear the fish, presentation side down first. (you might have to turn down the heat if it's too hot and the fish is burning, rather than getting brown)

put the broccolini in the steamer. give your potatoes a toss.

by this time (about 2 mins in), you should be flipping the fish. give your potatoes another toss and test to see if they are done. if not, place a lid over the pan.  depending on how thick your fish is, it should be done after about a couple minutes after flipping.  if not, place a lid over that and turn off the heat.

remove the broccolini from the steamer. sprinkle salt and pepper on it and squeeze some lemon over it.

check your fish and potatoes.  plate 'em up and that's it!

point of the 5 minute meal is multitasking. if this seems like too much at once, just remember to get the stuff that takes the longest to cook on the stove first. that will save you tons of time when you are cooking a whole bunch of things at once. this meal is meant to be easy and good way to practice multitasking in the kitchen. have fun!