Cod Provençal Recipe
If you’re craving something wholesome, brimming with color, and deeply rooted in Mediterranean sunshine, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Cod Provençal Recipe. This French classic features flaky, tender cod gently simmered with sweet peppers, tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic herbs. It’s bursting with bright flavors and rustic charm, yet still manages to feel light and fresh every time you dig in. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or inviting a few friends over for a cozy meal, this dish is sure to impress with its savoriness and vibrant beauty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Cod Provençal Recipe is just how simple the ingredients are, yet each one brings a unique flair to your skillet. From the juicy tomatoes to the fragrant herbes de Provence, every element adds a layer of taste, texture, or color, ultimately building a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Cod fillets: Opt for firm, fresh filets—cod’s delicate flavor truly shines here without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Olive oil: A fruity, high-quality olive oil brings depth and Mediterranean character to every bite.
- Onion: Thinly sliced, onion softens and sweetens, creating a savory foundation for your sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses each layer with the unmistakable warmth and aroma every Provençal recipe needs.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: These provide vibrant color and just the right hint of sweetness.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes keep things fuss-free while delivering a rich, tangy sauce—look for ones with no added sugar or flavors.
- Dry white wine: Just a splash lifts and balances the sauce; something crisp like Sauvignon Blanc works wonders.
- Herbes de Provence: This fragrant blend—think thyme, rosemary, and lavender—gives the Cod Provençal Recipe its signature aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick of heat, this is your secret weapon.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple, but absolutely essential for coaxing out all the other flavors.
- Kalamata olives: Salty and juicy, these add the traditional briny punch you expect from Provençal cooking.
- Capers: Tiny but mighty, capers lend extra bursts of salty brightness that make every bite pop.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped just before serving, this adds freshness and a lively color contrast.
- Lemon wedges: A final squeeze enhances all the flavors and brings a sunshiny zing to the dish.
How to Make Cod Provençal Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cod and Vegetables
Before you even turn on the stove, start by patting your cod fillets dry with paper towels and seasoning them with salt and black pepper. This little step ensures the fish stays perfectly flaky and doesn’t get too watery as it cooks. Don’t forget to get the onion, garlic, and bell peppers prepped and ready—having everything sliced and minced ahead of time makes the rest of the recipe a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Peppers
Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Toss in your sliced onion, minced garlic, and all those beautiful bell peppers. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but still bright. You’ll know you’re on the right track when the kitchen starts to smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now stir in the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), pour in the dry white wine, and sprinkle in the herbes de Provence. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them here for just the right touch of heat. Don’t forget a generous pinch of salt, too. Let this whole mixture simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. The sauce should reduce slightly and become thick enough to cling to your spoon.
Step 4: Add Briny Flavors
With the sauce starting to take shape, stir in the halved Kalamata olives and the capers. The moment these hit the pan, you’ll notice the aroma becomes even more enticing. These two ingredients really awaken the Cod Provençal Recipe with that unmistakable salty tang we all love.
Step 5: Nestle in the Cod
Push the vegetables gently to the sides of the skillet to make space in the center. Carefully lay in your seasoned cod fillets and then drizzle them with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. This helps the fish stay juicy as it cooks. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through.
Step 6: Finishing Touches and Serve
Once the cod is cooked through, sprinkle the dish with bright, fresh parsley. Serve the fillets hot with a generous ladle of the provençal sauce, and don’t forget plenty of lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy an extra pop of citrusy brightness.
How to Serve Cod Provençal Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top does wonders for both color and freshness. Bringing lemon wedges to the table is a must—one squeeze over the fish brightens all the savory flavors. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra drizzle of olive oil and a scattering of extra capers work beautifully.
Side Dishes
The sauce in this Cod Provençal Recipe is just begging to be soaked up, so serve with something handy to mop it up: a warm crusty baguette, fluffy rice, or gently steamed couscous all make perfect partners. A simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette keeps things light and classic, and a glass of chilled white wine completes the Provençal picture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic French bistro vibe, serve right from the skillet in the center of the table—let everyone help themselves. Or, for an elegant dinner party, plate each fillet on a bed of couscous and spoon the vegetables alongside, finishing with a flourish of microgreens or edible flowers for color. You can even turn leftovers into a next-day Mediterranean fish stew by simmering gently with potatoes and a little extra broth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Cod Provençal Recipe to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so leftovers are often even better the next day!
Freezing
While the cod itself can be frozen after cooking, for best results freeze just the sauce and add freshly cooked fish when ready to serve. If you must freeze the whole dish, use a freezer-safe airtight container, and enjoy within one month for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat the Cod Provençal Recipe on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may dry out the fish; gentle heat preserves that melt-in-your-mouth flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this Cod Provençal Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them very dry before cooking. Frozen cod works beautifully and keeps the recipe weeknight-friendly.
What can I substitute for herbes de Provence?
If you don’t have the classic blend on hand, a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and a hint of basil will create a similar aromatic effect in your Cod Provençal Recipe. Even a pinch of dried lavender, if you have it, can lean into the Provençal vibe.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine?
You can easily swap the white wine for fish or vegetable stock, or even a splash of water mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice. This keeps the sauce flavorful and still brings out all the fresh notes in the dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and vegetables up to a day in advance and simply warm them before adding and cooking the cod fillets. This makes weeknight cooking fast and stress-free.
What other fish can I use in this Cod Provençal Recipe?
Haddock and halibut are both excellent alternatives, thanks to their firm texture and mild flavor. Even salmon can work if you enjoy its richer taste alongside Mediterranean flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a no-fuss, joyfully flavorful dinner, I can’t recommend this Cod Provençal Recipe enough. With its rustic elegance and bright, briny notes, every bite feels like a vacation to the French coast. Give it a try—I have a feeling it’ll become a new favorite at your table, too!
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Cod Provençal Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and flavorful Cod Provençal recipe that features tender cod fillets cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce with aromatic herbs and briny olives and capers. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Cod Provençal Recipe Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
- Simmer Sauce: Add tomatoes, white wine, herbs, and spices. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Cook Cod: Nestle cod in the skillet, cover, and cook until flaky.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.
- Substitute haddock or halibut for cod if desired.
- Enhance the flavor with a splash of chicken or vegetable stock.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
