Introduction
Hey there, recipe lovers! Ready to transform simple, everyday ingredients into a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean escape? This Easy Mediterranean Cod with Tomatoes recipe is your ticket to a delicious weeknight dinner that’s as easy as it is impressive. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques needed – just fresh flavors and a whole lotta love (and maybe a little olive oil 😉).
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s a perfect blend of healthy and satisfying. The flaky cod is cooked to perfection, soaking up the bright, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s quick, easy, and completely adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a true weeknight superhero. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Key Ingredients
- 🐟 1.5 lbs cod fillets, skin on or off
- 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 🍋 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a nice oven-safe skillet – cast iron is awesome if you have it!
2️⃣ Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown!
3️⃣ Pour in the crushed tomatoes, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all those yummy flavors.
4️⃣ Gently place the cod fillets in the tomato sauce, making sure they’re mostly submerged.
5️⃣ Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, so keep an eye on them!
6️⃣ Once cooked, let the cod rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if you like!
Handy Tips
- If your cod fillets are really thick, you might need to bake them for a few extra minutes. Use a fork to gently check for doneness.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or olives.
- Don’t overcook the cod! Overcooked cod will be dry and tough.
Heat Control
The oven’s 375°F (190°C) is perfect for gently cooking the cod while allowing the tomato sauce to simmer and develop its rich flavors. Too high a temperature will dry out the fish and burn the sauce, while too low a temperature will result in undercooked cod.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe isn’t about adding crunch, the slight textural contrast between the flaky cod and the slightly chunky tomato sauce provides a nice balance. If you want to add a bit more crunch, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread for dipping!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Use good quality olive oil – it makes a difference!
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs, but use about 1/3 the amount.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish is perfect for potlucks or taking to a neighbor! Pack it in a pretty oven-safe dish, covered with aluminum foil.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Mediterranean Cod: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a squeeze of harissa paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
🌟 Lemon-Herb Cod: Increase the amount of lemon zest and juice, and add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
🌟 Mediterranean Cod with Capers: Stir in 1 tablespoon of capers along with the garlic for a briny, salty flavor.
🌟 Greek-inspired Cod: Add crumbled feta cheese to the top of the cod during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Cod: If your cod is dry, you might have overcooked it. Next time, reduce the baking time slightly and check for doneness earlier.
- Sauce too watery: If the sauce is too watery, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes before adding the cod to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen cod? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Can I use different types of fish? Yes, other firm white fish like halibut or snapper will work well.
- What can I serve with this dish? This dish pairs perfectly with a side of rice, couscous, or a simple green salad.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cod just before baking.
Conclusion
This Easy Mediterranean Cod with Tomatoes is a family pleaser for sure! We hope you enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us – we’d love to see your pictures! Happy cooking!
Mediterranean Cod that's Kid-Approved
A flavorful and healthy Mediterranean cod dish that kids will love, featuring fresh vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, garlic, oregano, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the vegetable mixture over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- Serve with a side of whole grain rice or quinoa for added nutrition.
- Kids may enjoy the dish more if you let them help with adding ingredients to the bowl.