Timatar Wali Macchi (Cod in Tomato Sauce)
Cod in tomato sauce is a fragrant Indian-style main course where tender fish fillets simmer in a spiced tomato masala. The Thermomix TM7 grinds whole fennel and mustard seeds fresh, chops the onions uniformly and mixes the sauce while it gently heats, so the cod stays succulent and the flavours meld beautifully.
About this recipe
Cod in tomato sauce Thermomix TM7 style, better known as Timatar Wali Macchi, brings a classic Indian fish curry straight to your all-in-one kitchen machine. This recipe pairs meaty white cod fillets with a vibrant masala built from tinned chopped tomatoes, onions, garam masala, ground turmeric and cayenne pepper, while whole fennel and mustard seeds are ground fresh for maximum aroma. It works brilliantly in the TM7 because the machine chops the onions to an even fineness, blends the tomato base into a silky sauce and keeps the heat steady so the fish stays tender rather than dry. Serve it with steamed basmati rice or warm flatbreads for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes slow-cooked. Anyone searching for fish curry recipes Thermomix users trust will find this spiced cod a reliable, flavour-packed addition to their weekly menu.
Preparation tips
- Rub the salt, cayenne and turmeric into the cod at least thirty minutes ahead so the seasoning penetrates the fillets; keep them in the fridge while the tomato masala comes together for deeper flavour throughout the fish.
- Use tinned chopped tomatoes at room temperature and let the sauce reduce until it thickly coats the spoon before adding the cod, as a watery base will dilute the garam masala and fennel seed aroma.
- For milder family portions, halve the cayenne in the marinade and stir a spoonful of natural yogurt into the finished tomato sauce just before serving with rice or flatbreads.
Recipe variations
- Make it vegetarian by replacing the cod with thick cauliflower florets or firm paneer cubes; simmer them in the same spiced tomato and fennel seed sauce until tender and serve with basmati rice.
- For a festive coastal variation, swap cod for king prawns and add a handful of desiccated coconut and tamarind paste to the tomato masala, creating a richer South Indian-style sauce for special occasions.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Grinding the fennel and mustard seeds seconds before cooking releases oils that give the tomato masala a noticeably deeper aroma. [Multi-Function]
- Thanks to precise weighing directly in the bowl, you measure the cayenne, salt and turmeric for the cod marinade to the gram without extra spoons. [Precision Control]
- Uniform chopping of the onions in seconds creates an even base that melts into the tomato sauce without stringy pieces. [Multi-Function]
- Hands-free mixing of the chopped tomatoes and garam masala gives a silky, fully blended sauce while you season the fish fillets. [Hands-Free]
- Controlled heating keeps the masala at a gentle simmer so the cod turns flaky and moist without ever catching on the bowl base. [Precision Control]
Ingredients
- cod fillets
- fine sea salt
- cayenne pepper
- ground turmeric
- vegetable oil
- dried fennel seeds
- black mustard seeds
- onions
- garlic cloves
- tinned chopped tomatoes