Description
Welcome to another delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish! Today, we’ll explore how to make a comforting and flavorful Cod Provençal. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for seafood lovers and a great way to bring French coastal flavors to your kitchen. With the rich blend of tomatoes, capers, and olives, this dish is bursting with savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, peeled and sliced in half rounds
- 2 large tomatoes (or 3 medium), ripened and diced into small cubes
- 6–7 sprigs of flat-leaf parsley, stemmed and chopped
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, stemmed (+ extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 15–20 black olives (preferably pitted)
- 10–15 caper berries (or 2 tbsp capers)
- 4 cod loins
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Optional substitutions:
- For a dairy-free option: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- For a gluten-free meal: Ensure the ingredients used, such as olives and capers, do not contain hidden gluten.
Instructions
Step 1 – Sautéing Aromatics
Heat up 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sliced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent.
Step 2 – Simmering the Tomato Sauce
Next, add the diced tomatoes, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cover the pan and let the ingredients cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes have softened and created a fragrant sauce.
Step 3 – Adding Olives and Capers
Once the sauce is ready, stir in the black olives and capers. This adds a savory, briny flavor that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Step 4 – Cooking the Cod
On a clean surface, drizzle the cod loins with fresh lemon juice and season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Gently place the seasoned cod loins on top of the tomato mixture in the pan. Garnish with a few extra thyme sprigs for added flavor. Cover the pan and cook the cod for about 5 minutes, or until it is just cooked through and flaky.
Equipment

2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use fresh tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes work best to create a rich, flavorful sauce. If tomatoes are out of season, you can substitute with high-quality canned tomatoes.
- Capers and Olives: If you prefer a stronger briny taste, increase the number of capers or olives in the dish. Conversely, for a milder flavor, you can reduce the quantity slightly.
- Cooking time for cod: Be cautious not to overcook the cod. It only needs about 5 minutes to cook through, depending on the thickness of the loins. You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork.