Seared Cod with Peas, Pancetta, and Wilted Lettuce: A Modern French Classic

Flaky fish meets creamy greens in a light yet indulgent French classic.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 21, 2025

Flaky fish meets creamy greens in a light yet indulgent French classic.

Seared Cod with Peas, Pancetta, and Wilted Lettuce: Petits Pois à la Française

If you’re seeking a weeknight dinner that feels both special and effortless, few dishes can beat the lively combination of seared cod atop a bed of creamy peas, crispy pancetta, and wilting lettuce. Inspired by the classic Petits Pois à la Française, this recipe transforms a traditional French side into a memorable centerpiece suitable for family meals or elegant entertaining.
Each component is designed to balance flavor, texture, and freshness, creating an inviting harmony of the sea and garden on a single plate.

Why This Recipe Works

Burst of Contrasting Textures: Flaky cod, buttery peas, crunchy pancetta, and the subtle freshness of wilted lettuce make every bite interesting.
Classic French Technique: Elevates simple ingredients with time-honored French methods and clever pairing.
Balanced Flavors: Salty pancetta, naturally sweet peas, creamy sauce, and delicate fish yield rich complexity without heaviness.
Quick and Accessible: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal equipment and easy-to-source ingredients.
Flexible Pairings: Serve with crusty bread or light spring salads for a complete meal.

What Are Petits Pois à la Française?

Petits Pois à la Française translates as “French-style peas” — a classic preparation where tender peas are simmered with butter, lettuce, sometimes pancetta, and finished with a splash of cream or crème fraîche. This approach gives peas dimension and depth, turning a simple vegetable into a luxurious foundation for a main dish.
While peas are usually enjoyed as a side, pairing them with seared cod elevates the ensemble to dinner status, offering heartiness without sacrificing lightness, perfect for spring and summer nights.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes
Servings	4
Difficulty	Easy

Key Ingredients

Cod Fillets: Choose fresh, sustainably sourced cod or substitute hake for similar texture.
Pancetta: Diced, offering a savory and crispy contrast to the tender vegetables.
Peas: Frozen peas work efficiently, providing sweetness and color year-round.
Gem or Romaine Lettuce: Sliced and briefly wilted, adding freshness and body.
Crème Fraîche: Brings richness and ties together all the flavors.
*Optional substitutions:** Sour cream or heavy cream can work if crème fraîche isn’t available.
Parsley: For herbal brightness in every spoonful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Cod:
- Pat cod fillets dry; season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil over high heat in a large nonstick skillet. When shimmering, add cod presentation-side down.
- Sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for 1 minute more.
- Remove fillets and transfer to a plate; cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
2. Prepare the Peas and Pancetta:
- In the same skillet, add diced pancetta over medium-high heat.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until pancetta is crisp and rendered.
- Add thawed peas; cook, stirring gently, until warmed through.
3. Finish the Vegetable Mix:
- Stir in 2 tablespoons water, sliced lettuce, chopped parsley, and crème fraîche.
- Cook, stirring, until sauce is creamy and lettuce just wilts (about 1–2 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon.
4. Assemble and Serve:
- Spoon a generous bed of peas, pancetta, and lettuce mixture onto warm plates.
- Place a seared cod fillet gently on top of each bed.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty bread.

Tips and Variations

Fish Choices: Substitute haddock, pollock, or halibut for cod; adjust cooking times for thickness.
Extra Vegetables: Spring onions or young leeks can be sautéed with pancetta for added dimension.
Herb Twist: Try fresh mint for a brighter, spring-inspired flavor.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use a cashew cream or omit crème fraîche for a lighter result.
Gluten-Free Serving: Pair with gluten-free bread or roasted new potatoes.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Crusty French Bread: Classic accompaniment to soak up the creamy peas and sauce.
Simple Green Salad: Tossed with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon.
Light White Wine: Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio highlight the cod and peas.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Nutrient	Value per Serving (Approximate)
Calories	350–400 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fat	14g
Fiber	5g

This recipe offers a high-protein, low-fat meal brimming with vitamins from the peas and greens, omega-3s from the fish, and essential nutrients provided by minimal dairy and natural fats.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Prepare in Advance: Pancetta and pea mixture can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
How to Store: Leftovers store well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently; fish should be added at the last moment to preserve texture.
Freezing: Not recommended for assembled dish, but pea mixture alone can be frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas can be used when in season. Blanch them briefly before adding to the pan for best texture.

Q: What’s the best alternative to pancetta?

Thick-cut bacon or unsmoked streaky bacon also works well; even cubes of prosciutto will offer a similar touch.

Q: Is there a vegetarian option?

Omit the cod and pancetta, use vegetarian sausage or smoked tofu, and amp up the herbs for a plant-forward version.

Q: How do I ensure the cod is perfectly cooked?

Sear on high heat until a golden crust forms, flip, and cook briefly. Cod is done when easily flaked with a fork and opaque throughout.

Q: What lettuce is best?

Baby gem or romaine deliver crunch and sweetness that wilt gracefully without turning soggy.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cod

Pat Fillets Dry: For maximum browning, remove as much moisture as possible before seasoning and searing.
Don’t Move the Fish: Let cod sit undisturbed to form a golden, crisp crust.
Use a Wide Spatula: Helps lift delicate cod without breaking flakes.
Cook Peas with Pancetta: Pancetta’s fat intensifies the peas’ sweetness and creates depth.
Wilt Lettuce Quickly: Add lettuce at the very end; aim for leaves that just soften, preserving some crunch.

More French Fish Recipes to Try

Fish à la Meunière: Classic pan-fried fish with brown butter and lemon.
Bouillabaisse: Provençal seafood stew with tomatoes and saffron.
Pan-Roasted Salmon with Lentils: Pair flaky salmon fillets with hearty Puy lentils and Dijon vinaigrette.

Seasonal Adaptations

Spring: Add baby carrots or asparagus tips for extra color and crunch.
Summer: Serve with cherry tomatoes; swap parsley for basil or tarragon.
Autumn: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for umami depth.
Winter: Use root vegetables, like diced parsnips, in the pea mixture for a heartier result.

Conclusion

This modern take on Petits Pois à la Française with seared cod delivers a celebration of textures, freshness, and classic technique. Satisfying yet light, it’s perfect for family dinners, romantic meals, or whenever you crave an elevated plate that feels decidedly French but never fussy. Try this recipe, enjoy its delicate harmony, and savor a timeless tradition reimagined for today’s kitchen!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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