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Besides being incredibly delicious in a very Mediterranean way, this cod fish recipe is one of those dinners I truly rely on. It comes together fast, doesn’t ask for fancy steps, and still feels like a proper, comforting meal — the kind you’re genuinely happy to sit down to. I can put everything together in minutes, even on those days when I get home from work already thinking about pajamas, and still have dinner ready without stress.
I do have my favorite way of layering everything: juicy tomatoes go in first, the cod stays right in the middle so it soaks up all the flavors, and the rest builds around it. That said, this recipe is very forgiving. If you prefer to layer things a bit differently, it will still work beautifully.
The magic really happens while it cooks — tender cod, soft potatoes, chickpeas soaking up all that olive oil goodness, and fresh herbs keeping everything light and balanced. It’s Mediterranean comfort without the fuss, perfect for a relaxed cod dinner that doesn’t feel rushed or boring. Keep reading, because once you see how simple this is, it’s going straight into your regular dinner rotation.
Recipe at a Glance
- Main star: Cod fillets gently cooked with potatoes, chickpeas, and vegetables
- Flavor profile: Mediterranean, savory, fresh, and comforting
- Cooking method: One-pot, layered and simmered on the stovetop
- Time commitment: About 40 minutes from start to finish
- Why it works: The cod cooks right in the middle of the pot, soaking up olive oil, herbs, and vegetable juices while staying tender and flaky
This is one of those cod dinner recipes that feels wholesome without trying too hard — perfect when you want something satisfying, cozy, and still light enough for a weeknight.
What You’ll Need for this Cod Fish Recipe
- 4 pieces (about 1.8 pounds) cod, desalted
- 3 medium potatoes, roughly sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper (or 1 small), roughly chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper (or 1 small), roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1/3 cup black olives, pitted
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- Green onions, chopped, to taste
- Parsley, chopped, to taste
A tall, heavy-bottom pot with a lid makes this recipe much easier to layer and helps everything cook evenly — especially the cod sitting right in the middle.
Prep & Cook
Step 01
In a tall pot, start layering the ingredients. Begin with the juicy tomatoes, then add a layer of potatoes, onions, and red bell pepper.
Step 02
Sprinkle a layer of seasoning (salt, ground pepper, parsley, and green onions). Add the cod pieces in the middle (my favorite spot for maximum flavor). Then layer on the yellow bell pepper, olives, and more potatoes.
Step 03
Finish with the chickpeas, a little more parsley and green onions, and drizzle everything with the extra virgin olive oil.
Step 04
Cover and cook on medium heat for 30–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cod is cooked to your liking. Plate and serve.
Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours
- Cod in the middle = flavor magnet. It absorbs the tomato juices, olive oil, and herbs without drying out.
- Thick potato slices behave better in a one-pot simmer (thin ones can get too soft).
- If your tomatoes are very juicy, you likely won’t need extra liquid — the vegetables release plenty while cooking.
- This is one of those Mediterranean cod recipes where olive oil carries the flavor, so use a good one.
Serving Suggestions
These are some of the side dishes I love serving with this Cod Fish Recipe (simple, classic, and it makes the whole plate feel complete). Choose your favorite and go for it:
- White rice (perfect for catching the tomato-olive oil juices)
- Sautéed green beans and carrots (quick, bright, and crunchy next to the soft potatoes)
- A simple green salad with lemon and olive oil (fresh, sharp, and very Mediterranean)
Put Your Spin on This Cod Fish Recipe
- Add a few garlic slices for a bolder base
- Swap chickpeas for white beans
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon if you love a brighter bite
- Want it more rustic? Add extra onions (they melt into the tomato layer and get ridiculously good)
These little tweaks are why I keep calling this one of my go-to cod dinner ideas.
Tasty Thoughts
This Cod Fish Recipe is basically my weeknight “I want real food, but I’m not auditioning for anything” meal. It looks like you put in effort (love that for us), but in reality, you just layered ingredients, closed the lid, and let the stove do the heavy lifting.
And the best part? It tastes like one of those best cod fish recipes people assume took forever. Meanwhile, you’re over there thinking, “If only they knew how little I actually did.” That’s my kind of cooking.
Common Questions
Can I layer the ingredients differently for this Cod Fish Recipe?
Yes! I have my favorite order (tomatoes first, cod in the middle), but you can absolutely adjust the layers and it’ll still turn out great.
Can I make this Cod Fish Recipe ahead of time?
Yes — it reheats well, and the flavors get even deeper the next day.
Is this a healthy option?
It’s one of my favorite healthy cod fish recipes because it’s packed with veggies, beans, and uses olive oil for flavor instead of heavy sauces.
Nutrition Notes
Curious about calories or carbs for this Cod Fish Recipe? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to check with a registered nutritionist.
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One-Pot Cod Fish Recipe with Potatoes, Chickpeas & Mediterranean Flavors
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This cod fish recipe is an easy Mediterranean-style one-pot dinner made with tender cod, potatoes, chickpeas, vegetables, and olive oil. Everything cooks together gently, creating a flavorful, comforting cod dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1.8 pounds) cod, desalted
- 3 medium potatoes, roughly sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper (or 1 small), roughly chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper (or 1 small), roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1/3 cup black olives, pitted
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- Green onions, chopped, to taste
- Parsley, chopped, to taste
Instructions
- In a tall pot, start layering the ingredients. Begin with the juicy tomatoes, followed by the sliced potatoes, onion, and red bell pepper.
- Season with salt, ground pepper, parsley, and green onions. Place the cod pieces in the middle so they absorb all the flavors.
- Add the yellow bell pepper, olives, and another layer of potatoes.
- Finish with the chickpeas, more parsley and green onions, and drizzle everything with the extra virgin olive oil.
- Cover and cook on medium heat for 30–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cod is cooked to your liking. Serve warm.
Notes
Cod in the middle = flavor magnet. It absorbs the tomato juices, olive oil, and herbs without drying out.
Thick potato slices behave better in a one-pot simmer (thin ones can get too soft).
If your tomatoes are very juicy, you likely won’t need extra liquid — the vegetables release plenty while cooking.
This is one of those Mediterranean cod recipes where olive oil carries the flavor, so use a good one.
These values are rough estimates based on common ingredients. For medical or dietary advice, it’s always best to consult a registered nutritionist or healthcare provider.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85
Keep Cooking with Us
If this cod dinner hit the spot, here are a few more favorites from our kitchen you might want to try next:
- Honey Glazed Salmon – sweet, savory, and perfect when you want something a little special without extra effort
- Fresh Pear Salad – light, crisp, and exactly what you want alongside fish or richer mains
- Simple Fried Tilapia Recipe – easy, reliable, and another great option for busy weeknight dinners
Happy Cooking!
🧡 Mary and Fabi.
