Fish has been an important ingredient in my healthy eating journey and my Cod with Chickpeas in a Mediterranean Ragu is one of my favourite ways to enjoy it. It’s hearty and warming but quick to make, warming in the winter but light enough for even the hottest summer evenings.
Cod with Chickpeas is cooked in a Mediterranean style ragu, full of fresh vegetables and hearty chickpeas. Using canned tomatoes means you don’t have to simmer the ragu for hours. The vegetables should be lightly cooked and still retain their shape.
Cod with Chickpeas is a mildly seasoned dish so it’s perfect for all the family. I have found that even those who aren’t that keen on fish really enjoy it. You can use any firm white fish for this recipe although I generally use cod loins or haddock. Please use seafood which has been sustainably fished.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Cod with Chickpeas in a Mediterranean Ragu is naturally gluten free, provided you serve it with/on something gluten free, such as rice, quinoa or potatoes.
Tips for Making Cod With Chickpeas in a Mediterranean Ragu
Mis en place (or having everything ready before you begin) is really important with this recipe, as it comes together so quickly. I chop all the vegetables up first and get everything out ready to go before I begin.
It’s a good idea to boil water ready to cook rice, couscous or quinoa, my favourite sides to serve with Cod with Chickpeas in a Mediterranean Ragu. Put the rice or quinoa on to cook as you start the recipe so it will be ready on time. When making couscous, put the hot stock over the couscous while you are simmering the ragu. As long as you keep it covered it should be the perfect temperature to serve just as this cod is finished.
Mashed or crushed new potatoes work well as a side too, but I generally save those for cooler days.
One final tip – be careful not to overcook the fish. Cod takes very little time to cook, especially immersed in sauce as it is in this recipe. Ten minutes really should be about right, unless your fillets of fish are very thick indeed. Fish is cooked when it flakes lightly with a fork.
This easy to make recipe is definitely a favourite in our house all year round. It’s also perfect for entertaining.
Cod with Chickpeas in a Mediterranean Ragu – Printable Recipe
Cod with Chickpeas in a Mediterranean Ragu
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon mild olive oil
- 2 leeks, finely sliced You can use 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped instead of 2 leeks
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled (or 2 teaspoons Very Lazy Garlic)
- 1 red pepper, cored, de-seeded and cut in chunks about one inch square-ish
- 1 large zucchini, cut in half moons Zucchini are also known as courgettes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon each salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Reduce the amount of salt for low salt diets.
- 1 14 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 14 ounce can chopped or diced tomatoes
- 1 large cod loin or 4 smaller fillets You can also use haddock, halibut or any firm white fish.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat leaf parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ¼ chopped spring onions, optional Spring Onions are also known as scallions.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or pan with a lid over medium heat.
- Sauté the leeks or onion until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the garlic, red pepper, zucchini, basil, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Cook for a couple of minutes until they begin to soften a little.
- Add the chickpeas and the tomatoes.
- Fill the tomato can a quarter full with water and pour that in as well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Nestle the cod loin or fillets in with the tomatoey ragu.
- Sprinkle about half of the spring onions (scallions), over the top (if using).
- Cover the pan and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes or until the fish is opaque and cooked through.
- Serve garnished with parsley and remaining spring onions.
did you make this recipe?
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More Healthy Fish Recipes
Baked Cod with a Sautéed Veggie Topping
Cod with Mushroom and Spinach Sauce
One Pan Salmon and Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
Comments & Reviews
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies says
I love ragu dishes, and this one sounds wonderful and so healthy too! xx
April Harris says
Thank you so much, Maria 🙂
Marilyn Lesniak says
Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #OverTheMoon this week. Each Hostess displays their own features so be sure to visit me on Sunday evening and to see your feature! I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon. Please don’t forget to add your link numbers or post title so we can be sure to visit!
April Harris says
Thank you so much for the feature, Marilyn! I really appreciate it! I hope you have a lovely week 🙂
Claire Justine says
This does look nice and tasty April. I would love to try it right now 🙂
Claire Justine says
Forgot to say, thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays 🙂 Hope you can join us today.
April Harris says
Thank you so much, Claire!
Reece says
Made this for our evening meal and it was surprisingly delicious, certainly some smells coming out the kitchen tonight that haven’t before hehe.
Will be making this again without a doubt, so fresh and light.
Thanks for sharing.
April Harris says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Reece! Thank you so much for letting me know 🙂
Alexandra says
Chickpeas really aren’t my thing, but I love this idea over some cauliflower rice! Pinned.
April Harris says
You could definitely leave out the chickpeas, Alexandra, and it would be delicious served over cauliflower rice.
Helen Reynolds says
April, this looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it. I love the new look of your web page, too!
April Harris says
Thank you so much, Helen!