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Mediterranean Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce

Mediterranean cod in tomato basil sauce simmers gently in a 12-inch skillet with Kalamata olives, capers, and diced tomatoes. The cod turns tender and opaque while fresh basil and lemon brighten the savory sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 26 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the tomato basil sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion small, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp oregano dried
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.25 cup dry white wine
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes no-salt-added
  • 0.33 cup Kalamata olives pitted, sliced
  • 1 tbsp capers drained
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 cup basil fresh, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the cod
  • 1.5 lb cod fillets, cut into 4 portions, about 1 inch thick
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 12-inch skillet with a lid

Method
 

Make the sauce
  1. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet with a lid over medium heat, then add the onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  2. Add the garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
  3. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, olives, capers, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes.
Cook the cod
  1. Pat the cod dry and season both sides with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Nestle the cod portions into the sauce in a single layer.
  3. Cover the skillet and simmer gently over medium-low heat for 6 to 10 minutes, until the cod is opaque and reaches 145°F in the thickest part.
Finish the dish
  1. Remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir the basil and lemon juice into the sauce around the cod.

Notes

Pat the cod very dry so it holds together as it simmers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; freezing is not recommended because it can affect the cod’s texture. For an alcohol-free option, replace the white wine with broth.