Entree: Faroe Islands – Havhestur (Pan-seared Atlantic cod served with buttered potatoes and sautéed seaweed in a lemon-butter sauce)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Havhestur (Pan-seared Atlantic cod served with buttered potatoes an... recipe
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep 20 min
Cook 20 min
Additional 10 min
Total 50 min

Ingredients

U.S. measurements first, metric equivalents in parentheses. Conversions are approximate; oz means weight ounces, not fluid ounces.

- 4 cod fillets, approx. 6 oz (170 g) each
- 1 lb (454 g) small waxy potatoes, scrubbed and halved
- 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, minced (about 4 oz (115 g))
- 1 oz (28 g) dried dulse or other edible seaweed, rehydrated and roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp (8 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) fish stock or low-sodium vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest
- 1 tsp (5 g) sea salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Show original ingredient measurements
- 4 cod fillets, approx. 6 oz (170 g) each
- 1 lb (454 g) small waxy potatoes, scrubbed and halved
- 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, minced (about 4 oz / 115 g)
- 1 oz (28 g) dried dulse or other edible seaweed, rehydrated and roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp (8 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) fish stock or low-sodium vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon zest
- 1 tsp (5 g) sea salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1.5 g) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the halved potatoes until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes; drain and toss with 2 tbsp (30 g) butter and a pinch of salt, keep warm.
2. Meanwhile rehydrate the dried dulse in warm water for 5–10 minutes, drain and roughly chop; reserve a little soaking liquid for flavor if desired.
3. Pat the cod fillets dry, season both sides with 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt and 1/4 tsp (0.75 g) black pepper.
4. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and 1 tbsp (15 g) butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; sear the cod fillets skin-side down first if skin-on, 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through (internal temp ~125–130°F / 52–54°C). Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
5. In the same skillet lower heat to medium, add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and sauté the minced onion until translucent, 4–5 minutes.
6. Add the chopped rehydrated dulse and cook 1–2 minutes to warm through; stir in 1 tbsp (8 g) flour and cook 1 minute to form a light roux.
7. Gradually whisk in the fish stock and any reserved seaweed soaking liquid, bring to a gentle simmer and reduce 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened; stir in remaining 2 tbsp (30 g) butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper.
8. Return the cod to the skillet briefly to rewarm in the sauce for 1 minute, then plate cod atop buttered potatoes and spoon seaweed-lemon sauce over the fish. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley and serve immediately.
Estimated Nutritional Information*

Per serving | Servings: 4

Calories: 426 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25.2 g
Protein: 34.6 g
Fat: 20.6 g
Saturated fat: 8.9 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg
Fiber: 3.1 g
Sugar: 2.5 g
Sodium: 708 mg
Potassium: 1304 mg
Calcium: 75 mg
Iron: 1.97 mg
Vitamin A: 128 µg RAE
Vitamin C: 30.9 mg
Vitamin D: 1.5 µg

Nutrition estimated: November 5, 2026

*Values are estimates based on USDA data and mathematical calculations. Actual values may vary. Where data are unavailable, those contributions are excluded. Calories, Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat, Saturated fat, Cholesterol, Fiber, Sugar, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin D are known subtotals. Missing contributions are unknown, not zero.

Recipe details
Pan-seared Atlantic cod served with buttered potatoes and sautéed seaweed in a lemon-butter sauce
Country
Faroe Islands
Recipe link
https://kitchen2mytable.com/view_recipe_data.php?id=6133

Important Cooking Safety Notice

Please ensure all proteins are cooked to a safe internal temperature:

  • Chicken & Poultry: 165°F (74°C)
  • Ground Meats (Beef, Pork, Lamb): 160°F (71°C)
  • Whole Cuts of Pork, Beef, Veal, Lamb: 145°F (63°C) plus a 3-minute rest
  • Fish & Shellfish: 145°F (63°C)

Always use a food thermometer to verify doneness. Stay safe and enjoy cooking!