Description
Mediterranean Cod Stew
Ingredients:
4 cod fillets, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 ripe tomatoes, diced
1 cup fish or vegetable stock
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Sauté Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, cooking until softened.
2. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Stir in diced tomatoes, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down.
3. Simmer:
Pour in the stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook Cod:
Add cod chunks to the pan, ensuring they are submerged.
Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until the cod is tender and flakes easily.
5. Season and Serve:
Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
A flavorful and hearty stew perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, prep all ingredients: chop the onion, mince garlic, dice the pepper and tomatoes, and cut the cod into uniform 1.5-inch chunks. Pat the cod dry with paper towels. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomatoes and all dried spices (paprika, thyme, oregano), cooking for 5 minutes to develop flavor. Pour in the stock, scrape any browned bits from the pan bottom, and bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes. Gently nestle the cod chunks into the simmering broth, ensuring they are mostly covered. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it cook undisturbed for 8-10 minutes. The stew is done when the cod flakes easily with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile stew pairs beautifully with several sides. For a classic experience, serve it in deep bowls with thick slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of fluffy white rice, lemon-herb couscous, or creamy polenta to soak up the flavorful broth. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. A simple side salad of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast. Don’t forget a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a lemon wedge on the side for brightness.
How-to Summary
Sauté onion, pepper, and garlic. Add tomatoes and spices to cook. Simmer with stock. Gently add cod, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until flaky. Season and garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod? Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator first and pat it very dry to prevent excess water from diluting the stew.
What other fish can I substitute? Firm, white fish like halibut, haddock, or sea bass work well. You can also use peeled large shrimp, adding them in the last 3-5 minutes of cooking.
How can I make the stew thicker? After removing the cooked cod, simmer the broth uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce. You can also mash some of the softened tomatoes against the pan.
Is this stew freezer-friendly? The tomato-base broth freezes well for up to 3 months. However, for best texture, freeze it without the cod and add fresh fish when reheating.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely. Sliced fennel, olives, or capers added with the tomatoes would be authentic additions. Leafy greens like spinach can be stirred in at the end.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Cod: Add it last and monitor closely. Overcooked cod becomes tough and rubbery.
- Using High Heat for Simmering: A gentle simmer is crucial. A rolling boil will break the delicate fish apart.
- Stirring After Adding Cod: Avoid stirring once the fish is in the pan. Gently spoon broth over it instead to keep chunks intact.
- Skipping the Dried Herb Bloom: Cooking the dried herbs with the tomatoes in oil unlocks their full flavor.
- Underseasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as the stock and tomatoes vary in saltiness.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Cod Stew is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a deeply satisfying and healthy meal. Its combination of tender fish, aromatic vegetables, and herb-infused broth is both comforting and elegant. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you can consistently achieve a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes your own touches, making it a reliable staple for busy weeknights or a relaxed dinner with friends. We hope it becomes a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.