Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this delicious Baked Cod in Smoky Tomato Sauce. Simple yet flavorful, this dish brings together tender cod fillets with a rich, savory tomato sauce flavored with garlic, smoked paprika, and oregano. The smoky undertones pair beautifully with the delicate flavor of the fish, creating a balanced, light meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Garnish with fresh parsley, black olives, and a squeeze of lemon for a vibrant finishing touch.
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets, each weighing between 150 and 200 grams.
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley, to be used as a decorative topping.
Additional Ingredients (Optional):
- Black olives, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides and set aside.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it becomes tender. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an extra minute, allowing the aroma to develop.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the smoked paprika, dried oregano, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to blend.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the tomato sauce evenly in a baking dish. Place the cod fillets on top of the sauce, drizzling them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod turns opaque and can be flaked apart easily with a fork.
- Serve: Garnish the baked cod with fresh parsley and optional black olives for an extra layer of flavor. Accompany the dish with lemon wedges to add a bright, tangy touch.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Baked Cod in Smoky Tomato Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that makes the most of fresh ingredients and vibrant spices. The smoky paprika and oregano-infused tomato sauce bring out the natural sweetness of the cod, while the olives and lemon add the perfect touch of brightness. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this dish will bring a Mediterranean flair to your table with minimal effort.
Mediterranean Baked Cod with Smoky Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets each weighing between 150 and 200 grams.
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 400 grams crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley to be used as a decorative topping.
Additional Ingredients Optional:
- Black olives sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides and set aside.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it becomes tender. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an extra minute, allowing the aroma to develop.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the smoked paprika, dried oregano, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to blend.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the tomato sauce evenly in a baking dish. Place the cod fillets on top of the sauce, drizzling them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod turns opaque and can be flaked apart easily with a fork.
- Serve: Garnish the baked cod with fresh parsley and optional black olives for an extra layer of flavor. Accompany the dish with lemon wedges to add a bright, tangy touch.