Description
Delicious and tender tomato poached cod cooked gently in a flavorful combination of cherry tomatoes, garlic, shallots, fresh basil, and Calabrian chili oil. This comforting dish is simmered on the stovetop to preserve the delicate texture of the cod while infusing it with a rich, aromatic broth perfect for serving with crusty bread or grains.
Ingredients
Fish
- 2 lbs cod, cut into 6-7 oz fillets
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
Poaching Base
- 1 shallot, minced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into 4-5 slabs
- 2-3 tbsp Calabrian chili oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the fish: With a sharp knife, cut the cod into fillets weighing about 6-7 ounces each, slightly larger than a deck of cards. Drizzle the fillets lightly with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt to season.
- Arrange ingredients in the pan: Line a wide braiser, skillet, or sauté pan with two layers of parchment paper. Spread the minced garlic and shallots evenly on the bottom layer. Place the seasoned cod fillets atop the aromatics and give a gentle toss to combine.
- Add poaching liquids and flavorings: Layer the cherry tomatoes over the fish, then pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle the chopped basil and arrange the lemon slices on top. Dot the mixture with slabs of butter and drizzle the Calabrian chili oil. Season generously with salt.
- Cook gently covered: Cover the pan with a lid, folding the parchment paper inward to trap moisture. Cook over medium to low heat, fully covered, for 15-20 minutes. The cooking time depends on how quickly the mixture simmers and the thickness of the fish. Begin checking at 10-15 minutes for doneness.
- Finish and serve: The cherry tomatoes should burst open during cooking. If they have not, gently press them to release their juices and combine with the broth. Serve the tomato poached cod immediately with crusty bread or your favorite grains for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use fresh cod fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust Calabrian chili oil quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Be careful not to overcook the fish to maintain its delicate texture.
- Serving with crusty bread is ideal to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
