Italian Codfish
A hearty Italian dish featuring tender codfish simmered with tomatoes, olives, and capers, served with potatoes for a flavorful and satisfying seafood meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak codfish overnight in cold water, changing the water several times.
- Saute chopped onions, cut-up olives, celery, and washed capers in olive oil, stirring occasionally.
- Add crushed peeled tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the sautéed mixture.
- Simmer the tomato mixture for about 5 minutes.
- Add the soaked codfish to the sauce.
- Add enough water to cover the fish and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Peel and quarter the potatoes, then cook them separately or add to the pot as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, soak the codfish for 24 hours, changing the water periodically to reduce saltiness. You can substitute fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness. If you don’t have capers, try using a splash of lemon juice for a similar tang. This dish also works well with other firm white fish, making it versatile for various seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the codfish dish over a bed of pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. Consider serving with Antipasto Roll-Ups as a starter for a complete Italian meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Codfish contains roughly 315 calories, with 6g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1858mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen codfish instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen codfish can be used. Just ensure to thaw it completely before soaking. The soaking process helps to rehydrate the fish and reduce the saltiness, similar to fresh cod.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can enhance the dish by adding a splash of white wine to the sautéed vegetables or incorporating red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano also add depth to the flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This codfish dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the sauce and cod ahead of time, then reheat when ready to serve. Just keep the components separate until serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).