Spicy Tomato Cod Skillet

I’m savoring summer flavors and seasonal veggies right now which is why I love this spicy tomato cod skillet. It’s packed with local tomatoes and fresh basil from the garden, creating a light and delicious dinner. Cooking the fish in the tomato sauce adds such incredible flavor and it absolutely falls apart in your mouth. Serve over brown rice or pasta with a veggie of your choice for a balanced meal.

Why I love this dish

I’m savoring summer flavors and seasonal veggies right now as we hold onto the last month of summer. Eating produce that is in season not only ensures they are the most flavorful, but it’s also when they are highest in nutrients! Tomatoes are one of my favorite summer produce picks. Tomatoes are high in the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, and folate.

What makes this special?

The *mostly* homemade spicy tomato sauce is the star of the show. Slow cooking grape tomatoes with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, onion and basil makes you feel like a chef and the flavor is unmatched. Add in 1/2 jar of your favorite marinara to finish out the sauce and make life a little easier. Poaching the fish in the tomato sauce adds such incredible flavor and it absolutely falls apart in your mouth. Trust me, I know white fish can feel bland sometimes but this is anything but bland.

What You Need to Make This Spicy Tomato Cod Skillet

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: To cook the onion & garlic. Additional is used as the sauce comes together. You want to use the good stuff for this, the flavor really adds to the dish.
• Cod (or any mild white fish): When it comes to the fish you don’t need to be too picky. We typically go to the Whole Foods counter and see what white fish is on sale. Any mild, flakey white fish will do.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These will be simmered to create the spicy sauce. Bonus if you pick some up from the farmers market.
• Onion: Finely diced, sautéed in olive oil for the foundation of the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: No Italian recipe is complete without garlic. This will enhance the sauce flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Another summer favorite. Basil is used in the sauce and sprinkled on top at the end to really spice things up. A tomato dish isn’t complete without basil in the summer.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These are what is going to give your recipe the spicy kick. Feel free to omit if you don’t do spicy or add more if you love some heat.
• Salt & Pepper: A must in every recipe. Add to taste.
• Rice or Pasta: This sauce & fish needs to be served over something. I’ve found it’s delicious over rice or pasta.
• Veggie of choice: I wholeheartedly believe that there is no such thing as too many veggies so why not add some more. We served ours with baby broccoli for some additional health benefits from the cruciferous veggie family.