17 May 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp salted butter
1 strip bacon
1/4 onion
1 garlic clove
4.50 oz cod
1/2 can canned tomatoes
4 olives
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp pine nuts
1 leaf basil
Bacon-wrapped cod with black olives and mozzarella is a delightful and savory dish that brings together the rich flavors of the sea and the earthiness of olives. The creamy mozzarella cheese and the aromatic basil create a perfect harmony, while the bacon adds a crispy texture that elevates the overall experience. This recipe is simple yet elegant, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the cod:
- Lay the cod fillet on a clean surface.
- Wrap the strip of bacon around the cod fillet, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
3. Sauté the aromatics:
- In an oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the tomatoes and cook the cod:
- Add the diced canned tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Place the bacon-wrapped cod fillet on top of the tomato mixture.
- Spoon some of the tomato mixture over the cod to keep it moist.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the bacon is crispy.
5. Prepare the olives and cheese:
- While the cod is baking, slice the black olives and set them aside.
- Shred the mozzarella cheese and set aside.
6. Final steps:
- Once the cod is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the oven.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the cod and the tomato mixture.
- Scatter the sliced olives on top of the cheese.
7. Broil for a golden top:
- Turn on the oven broiler.
- Place the skillet back in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden color.
8. Garnish and serve:
- Remove the toothpick (if used).
- Scatter the toasted pine nuts and torn basil leaves over the top of the dish.
- Serve hot, directly from the skillet, alongside your choice of side dishes such as crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- Ensure the cod is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a toothpick to secure the bacon around the cod to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
- Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet before adding them to enhance their flavor.
- For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Be careful not to overcook the cod, as it can become dry and lose its delicate flavor.
- You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste, but you'll need to cook them down longer to achieve a similar texture.
This bacon-wrapped cod with black olives and mozzarella is a tasty and visually appealing dish that is sure to impress guests and satisfy your taste buds. With its combination of crispy bacon, tender cod, and melty mozzarella, this recipe is a winner. Don't forget to garnish with a fresh basil leaf for that final touch of aroma and flavor. Happy cooking!