Cod with Chickpeas

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Have all your ingredients prepared and within reach to streamline the cooking process.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes translucent. Ensure it does not brown.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from burning.
4. Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients and let them simmer for 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
5. While the chickpeas are simmering, season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Taste the chickpea mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary before adding the cod.
6. Nestle the seasoned cod fillets into the chickpea mixture in the skillet. Spoon some sauce over each fillet to keep them moist during baking.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Ensure the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145°F for safe consumption.
8. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven carefully using oven mitts. Squeeze lemon slices over the fish for a refreshing finish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
9. Serve immediately, spooning some chickpeas onto each plate and placing a cod fillet on top. Garnish with additional lemon slices and parsley, if desired.