Codfish alla ghiotta is a simple yet flavorful fish main course, perfect for those who love Mediterranean cuisine. The sauce made with tomatoes, capers, and black olives enhances the delicate taste of the cod, creating an irresistible combination. This recipe is ideal for a quick yet tasty dinner, thanks to the use of frozen cod, which reduces preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
Discover how to prepare codfish alla ghiotta with just a few simple ingredients!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons, Fall, Winter
Ingredients
- Frozen cod fillets (depending on size)
- 14 oz Chopped tomatoes
- 1 Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- to taste Olive oil
- Salted capers (a handful)
- 3.5 oz Black olives
- to taste Parsley
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Tools
- 1 Pan
- 1 Lid
- 1 Strainer
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Kitchen scale
Preparation
Finely chop the onion and let it soften in a large pan with a drizzle of olive oil and the whole garlic cloves. The whole garlic provides flavor without being overpowering: you can remove it after cooking if you prefer a more delicate taste.
Add the chopped tomatoes and stir. If the sauce is too dry, add a ladle of hot water. Adjust with salt and pepper and let it cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat, until the sauce begins to slightly thicken.
Place the frozen cod fillets directly in the pan. Cover with a lid and let them cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, gently flipping halfway through. Cooking on low heat allows the fish to better absorb the sauce’s flavors without falling apart.
Desalt the capers by rinsing them under running water, then add them to the sauce along with the black olives cut in half and the chopped parsley. Stir gently to distribute the flavors. The olives and capers add a savory note, so taste before adding more salt.
Once cooked, serve the codfish alla ghiotta hot, accompanied by slices of rustic bread to enjoy the flavorful sauce. You can add a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavor.
Tips and Variations
More flavor? Add a pinch of chili pepper for a spicy touch.
Instead of chopped tomatoes, you can use halved cherry tomatoes for a sweeter and fresher sauce.
Want a Sicilian touch? Try adding a handful of raisins and pine nuts for a sweet and sour taste.
Fresh fish: If using fresh cod, reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes.
Thicker sauce? Let the liquid evaporate slightly in the last few minutes of cooking by removing the lid.
Preservation
You can store codfish alla ghiotta in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Do not refreeze thawed ingredients.
FAQ – Codfish alla ghiotta
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes! This recipe also works well with swordfish, hake, or seabream.
The cod flakes during cooking, how can I prevent it?
To keep the fillets intact, cook them without flipping too often and use a wooden spoon to move them gently.
Can I bake the cod instead of using a pan?
Yes, place the fillets in a baking dish with the sauce and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
Codfish alla ghiotta is a simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for those who love Mediterranean cuisine. With just a few ingredients and quick preparation, you can serve a tasty main course that everyone will love. Try it and let me know in the comments what you think!
