Cod and Chili-Infused Sweet Potato in a Coconut-Leek Milk Broth
Poaching cod fillets in a creamy, aromatic broth of coconut milk, sweet leeks, and cilantro yields an incredibly tender fish with a delicate flavor profile. Adding chili-dusted sweet potatoes to the broth adds a lovely hint of warmth and a touch of sweetness that balances the rich coconut base. It is a comforting, one-pan seafood dish that is gentle, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying.
Serves: 4 | Total Time: 20 minutes till it's ready
Ingredients
For the sweet potato
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes, about 2 cups
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
For the Broth Liquids
For the broth aromatics and herbs
- 2 whole leeks, white parts chopped, about 2 cups
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
For the cod and seasonings
Instructions
- Steam, blanch, or boil the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender.
- Transfer to a bowl and toss with chili powder. In a large skillet with deep sides, bring the milk, coconut milk, leeks, cilantro, garlic, salt and black pepper to a simmer.
- Cook until the leeks are tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Slide the cod pieces into the milk broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the sweet potato and continue simmering in the broth until the cod is cooked through and the flavors merge together, about 4 to 5 minutes more. Use a slotted spoon to place the cod and veggies into shallow bowls.
- Pour a ladle full of the milk broth into the bowl.
- Drizzle a few drops of olive oil over the top and garnish with additional fresh cilantro.
The full recipe lives in the Vault
Ingredients, step-by-step method, and every chef-tested detail are reserved for members of the Estate Registry.
Join the Estate RegistryHere's a little truth about fresh fish. Unless you live near a lake or ocean, most of the fish you get in the market has been frozen. Fishermen keep the fish as cold as possible as soon as they catch it. So, when you see the words, "previously frozen" don't fret! Flash-freezing does not reduce the nutrients or the deliciousness of the fish. Y ou want to choose fish that does have a strong, fishy smell and is moist to the touch. Y ou might be concerned about fish that has been farm-raised. A smaller environment and controlled feed can sometimes reduce the quality of the fish that comes to market. The bottom line is that it pays to become friends with your local fishmonger and bow to his recommendations.
The Heart of the Table
Served in shallow bowls with the fragrant, steaming coconut broth, this dish feels like pure comfort and sanctuary on a cool evening. The soothing scents of leeks, cilantro, and warm coconut milk draw everyone close, creating a quiet and relaxed dining experience. It is a gentle, soul-warming meal that makes guests feel nurtured, cozy, and deeply cared for.
The Art of the Host
- a pre-seasoned double-burner cast-iron grill pan with high ridges
- a well-seasoned 12-inch cast-iron skillet with dual pour spouts
- a 7-quart enameled cast-iron Dutch oven with dual helper handles
- a teardrop weighted stainless steel bar spoon with a twisted stem
- a flexible high-carbon stainless steel fish spatula with a walnut handle
Neighborly Grace
- THE PRESENTATION: Serve the cod and sweet potatoes in wide, shallow stoneware bowls, ladle the fragrant leek-coconut broth over them, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh cilantro.
- THE POUR: A dry, aromatic Riesling or a chilled lemongrass herbal tea to complement the sweet leeks and coconut broth.
- THE VIBE: Hearthside Dining Room: gentle illumination, a cracking fire, and gentle acoustic music set a peaceful, warm mood that encourages slow, reflective conversation.