Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Mediterranean feast! This Roasted Cod with Warm Tomato Olive Caper Tapenade is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines the delicate richness of cod with the bold, vibrant tastes of sun-ripened tomatoes, briny olives, and zesty capers. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, proving that gourmet cooking can be both simple and sensational.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your cod fillets cook evenly and develop a nice, roasted flavor.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a little olive oil to prevent the cod from sticking.
- Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
- Place the seasoned cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are spaced evenly apart for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped olives, rinsed capers, and minced garlic. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and mix well to combine.
- Spread the tomato, olive, and caper mixture evenly over the top of the cod fillets in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- While the cod is roasting, prepare a serving platter by arranging fresh basil leaves on it. This will add a lovely aroma and presentation to your dish.
- Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the fish moist.
- Carefully transfer the cod fillets onto the prepared platter, spooning the warm tomato olive caper tapenade generously over the top.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your delicious roasted cod!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fish: Select the freshest cod fillets possible. Look for firm, white flesh without any strong fishy odor.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Roasting: Before seasoning, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a beautiful golden exterior.
- Even Thickness Matters: Try to select cod fillets of similar thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Don't Overcook: Cod is delicate and can dry out quickly. Remove from the oven as soon as it becomes opaque and flakes easily.
- Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer. Cod is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C).
- Olive Oil Quality: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in your tapenade.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: If possible, use fresh basil just picked or from a live plant for maximum aroma.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 65mg
