Savor the Mediterranean flavors of Cod in Tomato Sauce with Olives, a delicious and hearty dish that’s simple to prepare. With tender cod filets simmered in a flavorful tomato and olive sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe typically serves 4 people. Adjust the quantities based on your needs or the number of servings you require. Enjoy your flavorful Cod in Tomato Sauce with Olives!
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 4 cod filets, about 6 ounces each
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cod
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken or vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. Cook the Cod
- While the tomato sauce is simmering, heat olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cod should be opaque and tender.
For a delightful variation, try baking the cod with lemon and dill by placing seasoned cod fillets on a baking sheet and baking them at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
4. Add the Olives
- Once the cod is cooked, add the halved Kalamata olives to the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Let the olives warm through in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve
- Transfer the cooked cod fillets to serving plates or a serving platter.
- Spoon the tomato sauce and olives over the cod fillets.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the Cod in Tomato Sauce with Olives hot, accompanied by cooked pasta or crusty bread if desired.
For a classic touch reminiscent of traditional Cod Fish and Chips, serve the cooked fillets with a side of crispy fries and malt vinegar.
Pro Chef Tips
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of dry white wine to the tomato sauce while simmering.
- Customize the dish by adding other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients to the sauce, such as capers, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
- Make sure not to overcook the cod fillets, as they can become dry and tough. Cook them just until they are opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Serve the Cod in Tomato Sauce with Olives alongside your favorite side dishes, such as a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes, for a complete meal.