Saturday, October 16, 2010

Cod and Potato Oreganata



Growing up in an Italian Catholic home, cod and potato oreganata was a popular dish on Friday nights when meat was off limits. Funny but this recipe from my past has also become a favorite standby recipe in my own home, especially as the weather gets cooler.  It is a satisfying dish, which requires only a skillet and a few basic ingredients. It is the perfect solutions for busy working moms, looking for a quick recipe that is full of flavour and easy to make. My potato oreganata recipe has often solved my own last minute supper conundrum when coming home late from work. 
 Steaming the fish and potatoes allows for rapid cooking but do not associate this method with bland 'hospital' food. Using only a small amount of water, with the addition of extra virgin oil, savory breadcrumbs, garlic, chili flakes and oregano ensures that the fish and potatoes infuses the dish with amazingly rich flavours. 
If you're anything like my husband and like a bit of crispness to the potatoes, remove the cover a few minutes before it's finished cooking, allowing  the juices to reduce. In a pinch, frozen fish and store-bought Italian seasoned breadcrumbs work well in this recipe. The addition of onion and corn is my adaptation of mom's original recipe. In the past, I have also added frozen peas and zucchinis to the dish.
In just under 30 minutes, you will have dinner on the table, and you do not have to wait for Friday night to enjoy this dish!
 


Ingredients:
4-5 pieces cod fish fillets
4-6 Yukon gold potatoes thinly sliced ( about 1/4")
1/2 large sweet onion sliced
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons extra virgin oil
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 tablespoon oregano
1/4-1/2 tsp chili flakes
1/3 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
salt and pepper

In a large non stick  skillet, pour in 1/2 cup water and 3 tablespoons of extra virgin oil. Place a layer of the Yukon gold potatoes and slices onions  in the skillet. Add 1/2 of the garlic slices on the potato/onion layer.

 Spread the corn around the edges on top of the potatoes


Sprinkle 1/2 of the oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes on the potatoes/corn layer. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of the breadcrumbs on top of the potatoes.

Place the cod pieces in the center of the layered vegetables.

Sprinkle the remainder of the seasoned breadcrumbs on the fish. Add  the garlic slices, sprinkle on the oregano, garlic slices, and remaining chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over the fish.Place a cover on the skillet and cook until done. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish and whether the fish used is fresh or frozen. Approximate cooking time 10-15 minutes. Serves 4





18 comments:

  1. ohmigosh. That looks SO incredibly good!! And it's a pretty budget-conscious meal, too, and very nutritious to boot. I've never heard of oreganata, but now I can't wait to try it! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. You may call it simple, but it looks scrumptious! My Mother always says that simple food made with a lot of love is the best kind of food. I couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Sophia, Thanks for visiting and taking the tome to jot down a comment. I'm glad you like the recipe. Let me know how it turns out.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Spicie, Mom's do know best!LOL Your mom is absolutely right, simple food can be the best when you put your heart into it.Food is all about love and passion. Thanks for the lovely comment.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anna, this looks scrumptious! I am drooling just looking at the first picture!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anna, looks tasty!!!Thanks for sharing..

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks Angie. Definitely not a bland fish recipe with the oregano, garlic and savoury breadcrumbs.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ciao Chiara, Thanks for the visit. Again a simple but satisfying dish.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This recipe is such a comfort one. I don't mind to have this for my tomorrow's dinner.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The addition of corn is just brilliant! (Even though I'm sure the original recipe tasted pretty good too). I adore the simplicity of fish and potatoes...it is such a comfort food for me. Thank you for sharing it with us and thank you so much for your kind words on my blog...they are so appreciated during this difficult time.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Brilliantly simple & flavorful too I'm sure. I'm going to give it a try with salmon, which is easier to get on the "WET" Coast. I'll post you about it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Monet,
    Given everything you are going through, I'm touched that you would take the time to visit and leave a comment. I will be checking your blog for updates, and please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Wayne,
    Thanks for the comment. What's a B.C. boy to do but go with the local catch! LOL Can't wait to check your post on the Food Network site.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Fantastic recipe...simple must me warm and comforting :) Love everything hear, and it looks great too!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Spice, thanks so much your support is really appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh, that looks so wonderful. I'll be telling my readers about it in the morning.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Serene,
    Thanks so much for mentioning my post on your blog. I really appreciate your feedback and support.

    ReplyDelete