Description
This Cod Provençal recipe is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring tender cod loins cooked in a savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, olives, capers, and fresh herbs. A perfect quick and healthy meal that brings the essence of Provence to your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (about 2 tbsp)
- Fresh thyme, chopped (about 1 tbsp)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 15–20 black olives
- 10–15 capers
For the Cod
- 4 cod loins (approximately 6 oz each)
- Lemon juice, to taste (about 1 tbsp)
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté garlic and onion: Add the chopped garlic and sliced onion to the pan. Cook them gently until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add tomatoes and herbs: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, fresh thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to break down.
- Add olives and capers: Stir the black olives and capers into the tomato sauce, ensuring they are well incorporated for a salty, briny flavor boost.
- Cook the cod: Gently nestle the cod loins into the sauce. Add lemon juice along with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately: Carefully spoon the cod and Provencal sauce onto plates. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh cod loins for best texture and flavor.
- If fresh thyme or parsley is unavailable, dried herbs can be substituted but use about a third of the amount.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level or omit if you prefer mild flavors.
- Serve with crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- This dish can be prepared using other white fish fillets like halibut or haddock.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
