"Merluzzo alla Mediterranea" or in English "Mediterranean Cod" it is a very tasty and nutritious fish-based dish, typical of the Italian gastronomic tradition. It can be prepared with both fresh cod fillets and frozen cod hearts and is the ideal delicious and light second course, which can be easily and quickly prepared. With this tasty and colourful dish, you bring a touch of Mediterranean sea to your table, as the cod cooks with the beautiful flavour of the tomatoes, black olives and capers from the sunny land.
This yummy sauce is perfect for your "scarpetta" bread ritual! :))
For 2 people:
400g Cod
270g can peeled plum tomatoes
1 garlic clove
Extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoon of organic capers
40g organic black olives
Sprig of parsley
Salt
Pepper
1/2 glass dry white wine
80-100ml water
Flour
In a large pan, with a few tablespoon of olive oil, place the finely chopped garlic and olive oil. When the garlic starts to turn a light golden colour, add the plum tomatoes. Smash with a fork and remove any hard parts or skin. Add the warm water and stir at medium heat for 4-5 min. Then add the capers (if these are in salt, desalt in warm water. If these are in water, rinse before adding) and the black olives cut in half (remove the stone). Continue to boil.
Meanwhile, thoroughly flour the cod fillets one by one. If you use frozen fillets, make sure that they are completely thawed and pat them with absorbent paper before turning them in the flour.
In another pan, add 4 tablespoon of olive oil and at medium heat, when the oil is warm, add the fillet and fry for a minute on both sides until it gets a crispy look. Add the wine and let it cook on each side until the wine is well evaporated. This should take 1-2 minutes on each side. Adjust with a pinch of salt.
Add the fillet to the other pan with the tomatoes. Cover with the lid and at low heat let it cook until the sauce gets thick and creamy. This should boil for around 15/20 min. The fish will absorb all the flavour from the ingredients.
Serve warm with a dash of fresh parsley on top! Enjoy with a fresh homemade bread. This saucy dish it is just perfect for your "Scarpetta" ritual!
