Seared Cod with Herbed Butter Sauce and Mashed Potatoes

 Seared Cod with Herbed Butter Sauce and Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

**For the Fish:**
– 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

**For the Mashed Potatoes:**
– 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into chunks
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste

**For the Herbed Butter Sauce:**
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper, to taste

 Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:**
– Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt.
– Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
– Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter and cream (or milk).
– Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

2. **Cook the Fish:**
– Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
– Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
– During the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and lemon juice to the skillet. Baste the fish with the melted butter and garlic.
– Remove the fish from the skillet and keep warm.

3. **Prepare the Herbed Butter Sauce:**
– In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
– Stir in the chopped herbs and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. **Assemble the Dish:**
– Place a generous serving of mashed potatoes on each plate.
– Top with a seared cod fillet.
– Drizzle the herbed butter sauce over the fish and mashed potatoes.
– Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired.

5. **Serve immediately** and enjoy your delicious seared cod with herbed butter sauce and mashed potatoes!

Feel free to adjust the herbs and seasonings to your taste. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.