Baked Cod with Harissa-Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cod baked alongside spicy harissa-seasoned chickpeas and fresh spinach for a vibrant, healthy meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 5 oz each cod fillets, harissa paste, divided olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, toss 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas with 2 tbsp harissa paste and 2 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Spread the harissa chickpeas in a single layer on one side of the baking sheet; place 4 cod fillets (about 5 oz each) on the other side, drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the chickpeas are crispy and the cod flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: While baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the 5 cups fresh spinach, cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes until just wilted.
  5. Step 5: Serve the baked cod and harissa chickpeas atop the wilted spinach, garnished with 4 lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Harissa-Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Harissa-Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep about 5 oz each cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Harissa-Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cod with Harissa-Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Cod with Harissa-Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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