Bring a little Mediterranean flair to your family dinner with this simple pan-seared cod in a tomato basil sauce. This dish comes together in no time and is packed with flavors that remind you of summer any time of the year. It's healthy, vibrant, and a wonderful way to enjoy fish, especially if you're trying to introduce more seafood into your family's diet.

This delightful fish dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a heartier meal, you might serve it over a bed of freshly cooked pasta or with some creamy polenta. If you're looking for something lighter, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans make perfect companions. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

Servings: 4

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1. Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.

5. Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Cover the skillet and let simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

6. Just before serving, stir in the chopped basil and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Adjust seasonings if necessary.

For an even heartier version of this dish, you can add some olives or capers to the tomato sauce for added zest. If dealing with picky eaters, you might simplify the sauce by reducing the amount of garlic and removing the red pepper flakes. Additionally, this recipe works well with other types of firm white fish, such as haddock or halibut, if cod is not available.

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