Mediterranean Style Baked Cod

by

Mediterranean-style baked cod is a healthy and flavorful dish that brings together the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean. This recipe combines tender cod fillets with a medley of cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, bell peppers, and olives, all seasoned to perfection. Topped with a zesty gremolata sauce, this dish is both nutritious and delicious, making it an ideal option for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Cod:

  • 1 lb (450 g) cherry tomatoes
  • One 14 oz (398 ml) can or jar of cooked artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
  • 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and sliced
  • 1 shallot, peeled and quartered
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
  • ½ cup black olives
  • ¼ cup capers
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 4 (½-lb / 220g) cod, halibut, or hake fillets or cod loins

For Serving:

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Ground sumac
  • Gremolata sauce

For the Gremolata Sauce:

  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, sliced bell pepper, quartered shallot, chopped garlic, black olives, and capers. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and season with kosher salt, black pepper, oregano or Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Toss everything together to evenly coat the vegetables.
  3. Bake the Vegetables: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and release their juices.
  4. Prepare the Cod: Remove the baking dish from the oven and place the cod fillets on top of the vegetable mixture. Season the fish with a little more salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  5. Bake the Cod: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Make the Gremolata Sauce: While the cod is baking, prepare the gremolata sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), olive oil, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and chopped fresh parsley.
  7. Serve: Once the cod is cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven. Drizzle the gremolata sauce over the cod and vegetables. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a dash of ground sumac for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean-style baked cod is a simple yet elegant dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. The combination of tender cod, roasted vegetables, and zesty gremolata sauce creates a delicious and wholesome meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its delightful taste and beautiful presentation. Enjoy!