November 19, 2025
How To Cook With Chestnuts: Cod Miso–Spinach Bowl with Chestnut–Ginger Crumble
From The United Chestnuts Test Kitchen
I live in Western Kentucky and finding fresh fish is often difficult so when I visited my sister in South Carolina and we had such fun at Salt Water Markets in Tega Cay. I packed a cooler full of gorgeous fresh fish. Can you blame me? Now I know they ship!
Looking to create a healthful dinner I prepared this bowl which turned out to be light, nourishing, and full of flavor. The miso broth keeps the cod tender, while spinach and chestnuts add nutrients that support overall wellness. The chestnut–ginger crumble brings warmth and texture without overpowering the dish. It was really good and I’ll use on other dishes for sure!
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Cod & Broth
- 2 fresh cod fillets
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tsp honey or a pinch of coconut sugar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
- 2 BIG handfuls fresh spinach
Chestnut–Ginger Crumble
- 4–6 cooked chestnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- ½ tsp grated fresh ginger
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ tsp sesame oil
For Serving
- I served with short grain brown rice but quinoa, or cauliflower rice would be perfect
- Sliced scallions
- Optional: chili crisp, microgreens, toasted nori
Instructions
1. Make the Chestnut–Ginger Crumble
Roasted fresh chestnuts from a US grower! Chop the chestnuts. Combine them with sesame seeds, ginger, a tiny pinch of salt, and sesame oil. Set the mixture aside.
2. Sear the Cod
Warm the oil in a skillet. Season the cod lightly. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Miso Broth
Whisk miso, soy or aminos, honey, ginger, garlic, vinegar, and water in the same skillet.
Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until it turns glossy.
4. Finish the Cod in the Broth
Place the cod back into the pan. Spoon the miso broth over the top.
Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
5. Wilt the Spinach
Add spinach directly into the broth. Let it wilt around the cod.
6. Build the Bowls
Add rice or quinoa to each bowl. Spoon spinach and broth on top.
Place the cod over the greens.
Finish with the chestnut–ginger crumble and sliced scallions.
🌿 UC Test Kitchen Notes
- This dish supports blood pressure balance thanks to potassium-rich chestnuts and spinach.
- Miso, ginger, and garlic help reduce inflammation.
- Cod offers clean protein without heaviness.
- The recipe fits well into a cleanse or reset routine.
Resources to help you cook with fresh chestnuts.
Melanie Jones is Founder of United Chestnuts, VP of Chestnut Growers of America, partner at EBB Farms, speaker and Chestnut Chef helping America see chestnuts differently.
www.unitedchestnuts.com