Codfish: photo, description, useful properties and recipes

Cod or labardan belongs to the cod family, has excellent taste characteristics and is considered one of the most useful fish. Dishes cooked with cod meat can not only diversify the daily diet, but also improve physical health of household members. Why is this fish so useful, and in what cases it can be called just a necessary product?

Cod: what kind of fish, what it looks like and where it lives

Labardan is found in the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific Oceans. Biologists distinguish several subspecies of this fish, the names of which are consonant with the places where they live. For example, the Atlantic cod lives in the temperate Atlantic, and the Baltic cod - in the Baltic Sea. Other varieties of this fish can be found in the waters of the Barents Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea.

This fish has a unique feature - it grows throughout its life. By the age of 3 years, most varieties of cod grow to 50 cm in length, but this is not the limit. Cod that lives in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean can grow to 2 meters. And the weight of such a large fish will exceed 90 kg.

Cod has an elongated shape, has a powerful head. The main distinguishing feature can be called an asymmetric jaw and the presence of a fleshy tendril on its lower part. There are 5 fins on the body, 3 on the back and 2 in the anus area.

The body of the cod is covered with fine scales of toothed shape. The coloration is varied. There are individuals whose back is colored:

• in a pale yellow shade with green overtones;
• olive color;
• brown with flecks of brown.

At the same time, the lateral parts of the fish's body have a lighter shade, and the abdominal part is usually colored yellow or white.

Types .

Experts distinguish between several species of cod:

1. Atlantic cod. Representatives of this species, as a rule, have a brown or olive coloring of the dorsal part of the body, with slight shades of green. The abdominal part of the fish may be colored only white. The life expectancy of the Atlantic cod is 25 years. Large representatives of this species grow to 2 m in length. At the same time their weight can reach a mark of 96 kg.
2. Pacific cod. It has the same coloration as the Atlantic cod. These two species differ from each other only in the shape of the head - the Pacific cod has a larger head. The lifespan of this species is no more than 18 years. During this time, the fish can grow to 1.2 m in length and weigh 23 kg.
3. Greenland cod. Its species is similar to the Pacific cod. The main difference between these species is the small size. Representatives of this species can grow only up to 77 cm. At the same time, the weight of the fish will be no more than 7 kg. Life expectancy is 10 years.
4. Alaska pollock. The main difference between the pollock and other varieties of cod is its narrow body. Representatives of this species weigh no more than 4 kg and grow to 91 cm in length. Longevity of the pollack is not more than 8 years.

What is the difference between cod and haddock

Many representatives of the cod family are large in size and have a similar appearance. So, for example, cod and haddock, if you do not know some of the features, may seem to be exactly the same. It is very difficult to distinguish them from each other. To understand what kind of fish is on your cutting board, pay attention to:

1. The sideline. Cod has a lighter color, while haddock has a darker one.
2. Pectoral fin. Haddock's pectoral fin is covered with small spots, which cannot be said about cod's fin.
3. The dorsal fin. The haddock, unlike cod, has a large and long fin.
4. Tail. Haddock has a different shape, it is more concave in the center, which is very easy to notice when examining the fish.
5. Scale color. The haddock cannot be colored in yellow shades. The body of this fish is covered with gray scales with a silvery cast, which is one of the most noticeable differences from cod.

The taste characteristics of these two fish are almost identical. To distinguish cod from haddock, experienced chefs advise to pay attention to the texture of the meat. The haddock is tougher and drier, while the cod is very soft and juicy.

Which is healthier and tastier: hake or cod

Both hake and cod are very popular fish species. That's why a lot of people ask which one is the most healthy. If you pay attention to the meat composition of these fish, you can see that both hake and cod contain a large amount of easily digestible protein. In addition, there are B vitamins, vitamin A, E, PP, C, polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as quite a few micro- and macroelements, including:

• phosphorus;
• iodine;
• potassium;
• calcium.

The rich composition of these fish suggests that each of them is a unique food product. Their inclusion in the daily diet will help saturate the body with a lot of useful substances, vitamins and minerals. Taking this fact into account, it is extremely difficult to talk about which of these two fish is healthier. Hake meat, like cod meat, has a rich composition, and the substances it contains are simply necessary for the normal functioning of the human body.

If we consider the taste of hake and cod, to give a definite answer to the question - what fish is tastier - is no less difficult than to answer - what is healthier. Cooks say that each has its own flavor characteristics, and with the right approach to their preparation, the taste will be excellent in both the first and the second. So this difficult choice will have to be made by each person, based on their own taste preferences.

Composition and calories

Cod is a fish that should be present in every person's diet. It contains a large number of nutrients, which makes it an indispensable food product. 100 g of cod meat contains 82.1 g of water, only 0.6 g of fat, 16 g of protein and 40 mg of cholesterol. Fish belongs to low-calorie products. In 100 gr of cod meat there are only 69 calories, which is 3% of the daily norm of consumption.

If we consider the composition of cod meat, you can notice a small amount of fatty acids in it. In 100 g of meat contains:

• 0.01 g of myristic acid;
• 0.08 g of palmitic acid;
• 0.01 g stearic;
• 0.01 g palmitoleic;
• 0.05 g oleic;
• 0.01 g g gadoleic;
• 0.01 g erucic;
• 0.01 g arachidonic.

In addition, there are omega-3, omega-6 and essential amino acids, which the human body can only get through food.

Cod is considered one of the most useful fish because of the presence of many vitamins in its composition. In 100 grams of meat contains:

• 10 µg retinol;
• 0.9 mg alpha tocopherol;
• 1 mg of ascorbic acid;
• 0.09 mg thiamine;
• 0.07 mg riboflavin;
• 0.17 mg pyridoxine;
• 11.3 µg folate;
• 1.6 µg of cobalamin;
• 10 µg biotin;
• 2.3 mg niacin;
• 5.8 mg of vitamin PP.

The mineral composition is no less rich. Eating this fish, a person gets:

• potassium;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• sodium;
• sulfur;
• phosphorus;
• chlorine;
• iron;
• iodine;
• manganese;
• copper;
• molybdenum;
• nickel;
• chromium;
• zinc.

It is worth noting that there is no sugar in cod. This fact makes its meat ideal for people suffering from diseases in which the consumption of sugary foods should be limited.

What is useful for cod

The presence of vitamins, a large number of minerals, proteins, amino acids and fatty acids in the composition of cod makes this product very useful. Regular consumption of this fish will help to normalize the work of the entire human body and prevent the development of a number of dangerous diseases.

For women

Cod refers to those products that should be present in the daily diet of every woman. Zinc, selenium, sulfur and other substances in its composition will help maintain a woman's beauty. When cod is consumed regularly, there is an improvement in hair and nails, and their growth is accelerated. In addition, women who consume the meat of this fish, notice its beneficial effect on the skin, namely, evening the skin and a significant reduction in the number of rashes.

An important argument in favor of the systematic use of cod meat is the presence of potassium and magnesium. These substances have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system and help cope with stress, which is very important for every modern woman.

For men

According to medics, in the male body more often develop diseases of the cardiovascular system. And this is the first thing with which cod will help. With the regular use of this fish significantly reduces the likelihood of the development of heart and vascular disease. But that's not all. The omega-3 present in cod meat prevents the development of prostate cancer, and the other substances help:

• increase sexual activity;
• improve metabolism and the central nervous system;
• prevent visual impairment;
• strengthen bones;
• improve immunity.

When pregnant.

Cod should be present in the diet of a pregnant woman. In this case, medics allow the use of this fish even if a woman suffers from excess weight, which is easily explained by its low calorie and easy digestibility. It is worth noting and the fact that cod meat can have a beneficial effect on the body of pregnant women:

1. Saturate it with iodine. Iodine - a substance, the lack of which leads to the development of a number of serious diseases, including abnormalities in intellectual development. If a pregnant woman receives it in the right quantities, the risk of developing such diseases in the future baby is reduced to a minimum.
2. Improve the function of the digestive organs. Niacin, present in the composition of cod, can prevent the development of certain diseases of the digestive tract and normalize their work.
3. Strengthen the nails and hair. Vitamins, macro- and microelements and antioxidants in cod will help pregnant women to maintain the health and attractive appearance of the nails and hair.
4. Improve the immune system. Ascorbic acid will strengthen the immune system of pregnant women, preventing the development of acute respiratory and other diseases.
5. Normalize the work of the CNS. The substances in the composition of cod can support the nervous system and normalize its work, which is especially important for a woman who is carrying a child.

When breastfeeding

Cod is on the list of foods that are allowed to eat during a strict, "nursing" diet. It improves the quality of breast milk and saturates it with a lot of useful substances, which have a beneficial effect not only on the young mother, but also on the newborn. Regular consumption of cod meat will help:

• Improve circulation, condition and appearance of the skin;
• normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract and blood clotting;
• Strengthen the nails and hair;
• prevent the development of cancer.

Children whose mothers included cod in the menu during lactation, have a strong immune system. They are much less often diagnosed with diseases such as rickets, disorders of the digestive system, vitamin deficiency, cancer.

For children

Pediatricians recommend introducing cod to children's diet. It is easily digested, contains many vitamins, minerals and other useful substances that will help not only to strengthen the child's body, but also:

• Increase resistance to viruses;
• prevent deterioration of visual acuity, development of allergic dermatitis;
• Strengthen bone tissues;
• normalize metabolic processes;
• Increase the activity of the child;
• prevent the development of rickets, disorders of the cardiovascular system.

Cod causes almost no allergic reactions and is easily digested. Despite this, before the introduction of this product in children's diet, should consult with your local pediatrician.

When losing weight

Cod is a fish that will be the ideal food for people seeking to get rid of extra pounds. The low calorie content of its meat, minimal fat and complete lack of carbohydrates allows cod to enter the dietary diet. It will help normalize metabolism, saturate the body with the necessary substances and accelerate weight loss.

The benefits and harms of cod liver

Many people mistakenly believe that a large amount of nutrients contained only in the meat of cod and are convinced that the use of liver of this fish is extremely undesirable. This opinion is fundamentally wrong. Cod liver is considered a delicacy. This product has many useful properties and has no less rich composition.

The composition of cod liver includes such useful substances:

1. Vitamin A. This vitamin will help prevent decreased visual acuity, deterioration of tooth enamel, deterioration of the skin and hair, improve brain and kidney function.
2. Essential amino acids. These substances are necessary for the normal functioning of the entire body and come into it only from food.
3. Ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is necessary for normal functioning of the immune system and increases the body's resistance to bacteria and viruses that attack it, which is especially important in winter.
4. Iron. Due to its iron content, cod liver is recommended to include in the diet of people suffering from anemia.
5. Copper. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps the body suppress sluggish inflammatory processes.
6. Calcium, Vitamin D. These substances will not only help to strengthen bone tissues, but also play an important role in the treatment of such a disease as osteoporosis.
7. Heparin. Due to the content of this substance, cod liver is recommended to eat for the prevention of thrombosis and normalization of blood clotting.

Doctors advise to include cod liver in the daily diet of people suffering from cardiovascular disease, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, obesity, as well as such pathologies as arteriosclerosis and diabetes.

It is difficult to underestimate the useful properties of cod liver. The substances in it have a unique, beneficial effect on the human body, improving the functioning of all internal organs and systems. However, this does not always happen. In some cases this product can be harmful.

Cod liver should not be eaten as a separate product. Otherwise this delicacy can cause irregularities in the liver and stomach.

Doctors strongly recommend not to use cod liver for people who have allergic reactions to fish or fish oil. In addition, the product is strictly prohibited to enter into the daily menu of people whose bodies contain excessive amounts of calcium and vitamin D, as well as in case of diagnosis of serious diseases of the kidneys and gallbladder.

Medics point out that cod liver can also harm a perfectly healthy person. This can happen if this product is consumed in excessive quantities. In the case of cod liver should be guided by the rule - everything is good in moderation, and then you can expect from its use only benefit and, of course, obtaining gastronomic pleasure.

Is Cod Caviar Useful?

Cod roe, like the meat of this fish, is a real treasure trove of vitamins, minerals and other useful substances. Despite its availability, this product has excellent taste characteristics, which allows to use it for cooking salads, a variety of sauces, appetizers and sandwiches.

Cod roe contains a lot of vitamins C, PP, A, D and B. Its composition can be seen a lot of macro-and micronutrients, including iron, calcium, iodine, potassium, phosphorus and zinc. This product is also rich in fatty acids (omega-3), antioxidants, proteins and contains a very low amount of carbohydrates.

The rich composition of this product makes it very useful. With regular consumption cod roe will help:

• Improve the immune system and thyroid function;
• recover from serious illness;
• Improve the condition of the skin;
• maintain healthy teeth;
• normalize metabolism;
• prevent the development of heart disease;
• strengthen blood vessels;
• reduce the level of harmful cholesterol.

One of the main features of this product can be called the preservation of its useful properties after canning. So even if you bought canned cod roe - do not worry. She will be no less useful than the one that was purchased fresh and cooked yourself.

How to pickle

Modern manufacturers offer a huge choice of products. To date, on store shelves you can find cod roe prepared in a variety of ways. But can it compare to the one made at home? Of course not!

For salting you will need:

• 500 g of fresh cod roe;
• 20 grams of salt;
• 15 ml of refined sunflower oil;
• 0.5 teaspoon of vinegar.

Preparation takes a little time and is divided into several steps:

1. Take out of the cod sacs with eggs, gently rip open its belly, and separate the roe from the shell, doing it with great care. At the extraction stage it is important to maintain the integrity of the sacs.
2. Transfer the eggs to a deep bowl and pour enough boiled water to cover all the eggs.
3. Stir gently with a fork and remove any membranes floating to the surface.
4. Take a fine sieve, transfer the caviar to it and rinse it at least 3 times with clean, cold water. Stop rinsing only when the water is clear.
5. Transfer caviar to a bowl, cover with salt and leave for 15-20 minutes.
6. During this time a white film should appear on the surface of the caviar. When this happens, add the rest of the ingredients.
7. Transfer the caviar into a jar, cover with a tight lid and leave in the refrigerator for 24 hours. After 24 hours you can enjoy cod roe of your own making.

Salted cod roe should be stored in the refrigerator no more than 7 days.

Is it possible to eat cod under various diseases

As you know, to treat many diseases, doctors recommend in conjunction with medications, observe therapeutic diets, which involve the elimination of the daily diet of certain foods. In what cases can cod be included in the diet, and when it is better to abandon?

In diabetes mellitus

Today, diabetes mellitus is increasingly common. Unfortunately, modern medicine cannot offer patients a cure that will completely cure them, but this is not a reason to give up on drug therapy. There are drugs that help to control blood sugar levels. However, they are not able to neutralize all the glucose entering the body with food. This is the reason why doctors recommend that patients suffering from diabetes stick to a diet.

Cod is a fish that therapists strongly recommend including in the daily diet of people suffering from diabetes of any type. It has absolutely no sugar, but there are substances that will help prevent the development of cardiovascular disease, remove harmful cholesterol from the body, improve the immune system, prevent decreased visual acuity and normalize the central nervous system.

In pancreatitis

Due to its low calorie content and rich composition, cod is allowed for consumption by people suffering from pancreatitis. In this case, medics allow the consumption of cod meat for both chronic and acute pancreatitis. In the acute form, gastroenterologists allow eating cod from the 8th day of the disease attack. Medics allow eating this fish in a boiled form, preparing from it cutlets or meatballs. In chronic pancreatitis, during remission, it is allowed to use cod for cooking second dishes, which allows to diversify the patient's diet.

Gastritis

Successful treatment of gastritis is possible only if the patient follows all the recommendations of the treating doctor. In the case of this disease, it is not only a question of taking systematic medications, but also of following a diet. The list of allowed products is very small, and many familiar dishes with this disease are contraindicated.

As for cod - this fish is allowed for gastritis of any type. It is low-calorie, easily digested and does not create additional load on the digestive organs. The only thing that medics pay attention to their patients is the way cod is cooked. During an exacerbation of gastritis, it is allowed to consume stewed, baked or boiled fish.

In case of gout.

But for patients suffering from gout, doctors advise to completely exclude fish from the diet, including cod. The fact is that it contains a large amount of purines, which can provoke the deterioration of the patient and cause the development of related diseases.

In hemorrhoids

When treating hemorrhoids, it is very important to follow a diet. It helps to normalize the stool and reduces blood flow to the hemorrhoids. Cod is on the list of foods that are not only allowed, but even recommended for this disease. It does not create a heavy load on the intestines and is easily digested.

In cholecystitis.

Medics are allowed to include cod in the daily diet of patients suffering from cholecystitis. This is possible due to its low caloric content, low fat content and the presence of many vitamins. The meat of this fish will not only help to alleviate the condition of the patient, but also strengthen his entire body.

Harm and contraindications

Cod is a fish with a unique composition. Each component contained in its meat is necessary for the normal functioning of the human body, but there are exceptions to this rule.

Medics advise to exclude this fish from the daily diet when cholelithiasis or urolithiasis is detected.

Doctors draw attention to the fact that there are cases in which the inclusion in the daily diet of cod liver and caviar is inadmissible. Caviar should be refused for individual intolerance, kidney disease and hypertension.

As for cod liver - it is forbidden to consume it for people who suffer from:

• from hypotension;
• hyperthyroidism;
• hyperkalemia;
• an overabundance of vitamin D.

Medics draw the attention of parents to the fact that cod is allowed to enter the daily diet of a child only after he reaches three years of age. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor and make sure that the baby does not have contraindications, implying a rejection of the use of this fish, because ignoring them could lead to disastrous consequences.

In all other cases cod is not able to harm the human body and is allowed for consumption, but only in moderate amounts.

How to choose and store

It is important to understand that only a quality product can be useful. This also applies to fish. To get from its use only benefit and pleasure, it is important to know what you need to pay attention to when buying:

1. The presence of damage. Even minor damage to the skin and scales indicate that the purchase should be rejected.
2. Eyes. With fresh cod, they are transparent and clean.
3. Appearance of scales. It should be very fine and shiny.
4. Gills. Fresh cod have them colored in bright shades of red.
5. Fillet color. The meat should be evenly colored.
6. Smell. The presence of an unpleasant odor is a reason to refuse to buy. It indicates that the fish is stale.
7. Plaque. Fish covered with plaque is not fresh.

And, of course, to buy the real cod, you need to know how it looks. Therefore, before buying, it is better to get acquainted with the features of coloring, size and appearance of this fish.

If the cod was not cooked immediately after purchase, it is important to understand how to keep the fish fresh. It cannot be stored at room temperature. Immediately after purchase it must be frozen or placed in the refrigerator.

Freezing cod

To cod retain all its flavorful qualities, freeze it in plastic bags or food film. The important condition for the correct freezing is the complete absence of air in the bag.

In the freezer cod can be stored for quite a long time. The fish retains all its flavor and useful properties for 7-10 months. After this time, it is considered unfit for consumption.

Important! Freezing cod of large size, it is better to divide it into several parts. This fish should not be subjected to repeated freezing.

Storing cod in the refrigerator

If you do not need to store cod for too long, it may well spend about 72 hours in the refrigerator. For the fish to retain all its properties, it is better to put it in a bowl filled with ice and leave on the top shelf.

Can I freeze cod liver

Many housewives wonder how to store cod liver. Unfortunately, its shelf life in fresh form is very short, and freezing liver is not recommended. After defrosting it loses its taste and consistency. Therefore, you can store cod liver only in cooked or canned form.

How to cut the cod into fillets

Having bought a whole cod in the store, many housewives face the same problem - separating the meat from the bones. In fact, it is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance. To succeed in this case, you just need to know the correct sequence of cutting fish:

1. Cut the cod into medium-sized pieces.
2. Take a piece of fish, run the knife along the spine so that the tip is directed to the back.
3. Cut the meat along the backbone and trim the skin, bypassing the fin.
4. Turn out the fillet, take it in your left hand, and then remove the rest of the meat from the bones with your right hand.

It is enough to stick to this sequence, and cutting cod into fillets will no longer be a problem.

How to cook cod deliciously: recipes

Cod is a fish that has excellent taste characteristics. However, like any other product, it has peculiarities of cooking. In order for the dish to please all the household, you should know how to cook it correctly.

In the oven

Fish baked in the oven, can become a real decoration of the festive table or one of the most favorite daily dishes.

To cook cod in the oven, you will need:

• 1 kg of fresh cod;
• 1 onion of medium size;
• 80 g of mayonnaise;
• sunflower oil;
• salt and spices.

Cooking cod in the oven consists of the following steps:

1. Rinse the cod under cool, running water and cut into small pieces.
2. Put the prepared fish in a bowl, add salt and spices and mix.
3. Prepare a pan, pour the specified amount of oil on it and put it on the sliced fish.
4. Leave the fish on low heat and prepare the onions. Peel the onion and cut it into half rings.
5. Pour the sliced onions into the pan, pour mayonnaise on top and place in the refrigerator.
6. After 30 minutes take the pan out of the fridge, put it in an oven heated to 200 degrees and bake for half an hour.

Serve baked cod hot with a side dish of potatoes or vegetables.

On the frying pan

Pan-fried cod can diversify your family's daily diet. To prepare this dish, take:

• 0,5 kg of cod;
• 20 grams of flour;
• A mix of sunflower oil and butter (for frying);
• Salt and spices.

To prepare delicious fried cod, follow the following sequence of steps:

1. Clean the fish from scales and take out of it all the insides, then rinse under cool water and leave on a cutting board for 7-10 minutes.
2. When the cleaned cod dries out, cut it into pieces, the width of which should be equal (no more than 3 cm).
3. Place the sliced fish in a bowl, salt and pepper it.
4. Put a frying pan on the fire, pour the oil mixture on it and heat well.
5. When the pan is hot, place the pieces of fish on it, pre-dusting them in flour.
6. Fry the fish for 5-6 minutes on each side.

That's it - fried cod is ready to please with its beautiful taste.

In the multicooker

Multicooker - the assistant of every second modern hostess. Therefore, it is simply impossible to do without a good recipe for cooking cod in it.

To cook this delicious fish, using the multicooker, take:

• 250 g cod (fillet);
• 200 g tomatoes;
• 10 g of natural sour cream;
• 50 g of quality cheese;
• 5 g mustard;
• salt and spices.

Having prepared all the necessary products, proceed to cooking:

1. Cut the fillet into small pieces.
2. Salt and pepper the fish.
3. Add a little sunflower oil to a bowl and place the fillets on the bottom.
4. Pour a mixture of sour cream and mustard over the fish, place sliced tomatoes on top and cover with grated cheese.
5. Turn on "Bake" mode.

The fish will be ready in 20 minutes. Serve with any garnish.

In the microwave

If you do not have a multicooker or a good oven, and fried fish has already become bored, try cooking cod in the microwave.

For cooking you will need:

• 500 g of fish fillets;
• 1 onion;
• 100 ml of purified water;
• 10 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice;
• salt;
• spices.

Cooking cod in the microwave consists of several steps:

1. Place the cleaned and sliced fish in a dish suitable for the microwave.
2. Sprinkle the fillets with lemon juice, place onion cut into thin rings on top, put it in the microwave, pre-set to maximum power, and leave it for 8 minutes.
3. In the meantime, mix the sour cream with salt and spices.
4. Take the dish out of the microwave, pour the dressing over it and put it in the microwave for another 10 minutes.

Serve the fish hot, topped with a salad of fresh vegetables.

On the grill

Those who have once tried grilled cod have forever fallen in love with the taste of this amazing fish. If you have not yet had time to try this dish, now is the time to correct this mistake.

To cook grilled cod, you will need:

• 2 steaks;
• 20 ml of olive oil;
• lemon juice;
• salt and spices.

Cooking the fish with this recipe is very easy:

1. Marinate the steaks for 7-10 minutes, using oil, spices and salt as a marinade.
2. After the specified time, place the fish on the grill.
3. Grill for 2 minutes on each side, remembering to sprinkle with the juice.

Serve steaks with grilled vegetables and sour cream sauce.

On the grill

Cod on the barbecue is a dish no less delicious. For its preparation you need:

• several cod steaks;
• favorite spices;
• 20 ml of soy sauce;
• 20 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice;
• a little olive oil;
• 1 bell bell pepper;
• 1 onion;
• herbs;
• salt.

Method of preparation:

1. Sprinkle cod steaks with salt, spices and drizzle with a little lemon juice.
2. Place on a small piece of foil, having previously folded it in half.
3. Chop vegetables and herbs and place them next to the fish.
4. Pour soy sauce over the steaks, then wrap in foil and place on the preheated grill.
5. Bake the fish on the grill for 30 minutes (15 minutes on each side).

The barbecued cod is ready. It can be served as a separate dish or with a side dish.

What can be cooked from cod: recipes

Chefs use cod for cooking many dishes. For example, the most popular are considered:

• cutlets of fresh cod;
• fish soup;
• liver salad;
• fish sandwiches;
• fish pâté.

If you haven't tried these dishes yet, don't waste time and start cooking now!

Cod liver salad

Cod liver is considered a delicacy and has excellent taste characteristics. Its delicate texture and light, pleasant taste allows you to use it to prepare many exquisite dishes. Today we offer you to prepare one of them.

To prepare a cod liver salad you will need:

• a small onion;
• two chicken eggs;
• a few sprigs of parsley;
• homemade mayonnaise;
• 1 can of cod liver;
• 1 fresh cucumber;
• 2 stalks of celery;
• salt and spices.

Preparation:

1. Place the cod liver on a paper towel and proceed to prepare the other ingredients. During this time the excess oil will drain from the liver.
2. Slice cucumber, celery, boiled egg, onion, greens and place in a deep salad bowl.
3. Chop cod liver, add it to the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly.
4. Add salt, spices, pour mayonnaise, gently mix and enjoy its unique taste.

Cutlets

Cod cakes are one of the most delicious dishes and will be a real salvation if you need to urgently make a little variety in the daily menu.

To prepare the cutlets take:

• 1 kg of cod fillets;
• 1 garlic clove;
• Some dill;
• 50 ml of low-fat milk;
• 2 pieces of white bread;
• 1 egg;
• 1 onion;
• salt;
• spices;
• oil for frying.

Preparation:

1. Soak the bread in the specified amount of milk. When it is soaked, pass it, fish, garlic, onion, dill through a meat grinder and add the egg, salt, spices to the minced meat.
2. Thoroughly mix and beat the minced meat. This will help achieve the desired consistency.
3. When minced meat is ready, form cutlets from it and fry on a hot pan for 5 minutes on each side.

Serve the cutlets with any side dish.

Soup

Fish soup is a very popular first dish, and if it is made with cod, it is also unimaginably delicious.

To make the soup take:

• 300 g of cod;
• 1 medium carrot;
• 1 medium onion;
• 2 rings of chili;
• 0.5 kg of potatoes;
• 40 g butter;
• 40 ml of sunflower oil;
• herbs;
• salt and spices.

Preparation:

1. Pour into a saucepan of suitable size, 3 liters of purified water, put there peeled, sliced potatoes and put to boil on medium heat.
2. While the potatoes are boiling, chop the onions, carrots, pour them into a pan and fry lightly.
3. 10 minutes after the potatoes boil, put the fish into the pot.
4. After waiting another 10 minutes, add the vegetables, butter, salt, spices and cook until fully cooked.

Serve the soup with greens.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches can act as an appetizer and decorate the holiday table or a great, hearty breakfast and please your family every morning. To make delicious and healthy cod sandwiches, you need only a few ingredients:

• 200 g of cod liver;
• 2 chicken eggs;
• 1 small onion;
• a little mayonnaise;
• 100 g of melted cheese;
• Some green onions;
• baguette.

Preparation:

1. Boil the eggs, cool them and grate them on a fine grater.
2. Add to the eggs melted cheese, shredded with a grater and mix thoroughly.
3. Add chopped onion and mayonnaise and mix again. After that, enter the last ingredient - cod liver. It is enough to crush it well with a fork.
4. When the sandwich mixture is ready, spread it on a baguette, having previously cut it into thin slices.
5. Garnish the snack with green onions or other herbs and serve.

Pâté

Cod pâté is considered a delicacy. And no wonder! This dish is characterized by a delicate, very pleasant taste, which will be appreciated even by the most capricious gourmets.

To cook cod pâté, you need:

• 300 g of smoked cod;
• 60 g of butter;
• 0,5 apples;
• 5 g horseradish;
• 4 sprigs of dill;
• salt and spices - to taste.

Preparation:

1. Cut the fish into small pieces, having previously separated it from the bone, and grate the apple on a coarse grater.
2. Pour the fish, grated apple, dill and horseradish into the bowl of a blender and grind.
3. After that, add oil, salt, spices to the resulting mixture, grind again, spread the pate on tartlets and serve.

Can animals be given cod

Whether or not to introduce cod to the diet of cats and dogs - a rather complicated question. Some veterinarians and breeders claim that fish in the diet of our little brothers is a must, while others are convinced that this product human pets do not need. In any case, it is up to the owner to decide whether to introduce this product to the daily menu of his pet. However, making a positive decision, it should be understood that this product should be present in the menu of a four-legged friend no more than 2 times a week. Only in this case, cod can be useful. Giving the pet this fish more often, the owner risks provoking the development of such dangerous pathologies as:

• urolithiasis;
• Oxidative stress;
• calcium deficiency;
• obesity;
• metabolic disorders;
• hyperthyroidism;
• worm infestation.

It is worth noting and the fact that cats and dogs, like people, are prone to develop allergic reactions to certain products. That is why, giving your pet cod for the first time, you should carefully monitor his condition. If the pet shows any signs of allergy, the fish should be excluded from the diet of the pet once and for all.

Interesting facts

Cod is one of the most useful fish. Many people know and talk about its properties, but only in isolated cases you can hear about that:

1. In the Russian Federation, about 440,000 tons of cod per year is harvested.
2. This fish belongs to the predators. It is even called "fish cannibal". This nickname cod got because it does not mind to eat its own fry, capelin, small clams and even herring.
3. Cod can grow to 2 meters in length.
4. This fish contains almost no fat. All cod fat is stored in its liver.
5. When the migration period arrives, the fish swims about 1,500 kilometers.
6. The Hebrews call cod "the sea donkey.
7. This fish was part of the diet of the ancient Romans.
8. Cod is painted on the coat of arms of Murmansk.
9. The substances that make up this fish, help prevent the development of cancer.

Of course, the main interesting fact is the ability of this fish to have an amazing, positive effect on the human body. And it is simply impossible to argue with this!

Cod is a unique fish. It includes a huge number of substances that are vitally important for every person. The use of this fish will help improve health, prevent the development of many dangerous diseases and normalize the work of the whole body. However, you should not forget that it is possible only in the absence of contraindications. Introduce cod to your diet correctly, enjoy its wonderful taste and feel like a healthy person!

Cod photo