Basque Grilled Cod with Piperade

Flaky grilled cod meets smoky Basque-style tomato piperade and charred peak-summer zucchini in a fresh, practical dinner for two.

Ingredients

  • Pacific Cod Fillet
    12 ounces $14.99
  • Organic Zucchini Squash
    12 ounces (about 2 medium) $2.77
  • Organic Heirloom Tomatoes
    12 ounces (about 2 medium) $4.43
  • Red Bell Peppers
    1 medium $3.99
  • Sweet Onion
    1/2 medium $1.79
  • Organic Garlic, 3 CT
    2 cloves $2.89
  • Organic Lemons
    1 lemon $1.29
  • Italian Parsley Bunch
    1/4 cup chopped $1.49
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    3 tablespoons
  • Red wine vinegar
    1 tablespoon
  • Smoked paprika
    1 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Preheat a grill to medium-high, about 425°F, for 10 minutes; place a medium cast-iron skillet on one side of the grill to heat.
  2. Dice 1/2 medium sweet onion and 1 medium red bell pepper. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, the diced vegetables, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt to the hot skillet; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Dice 12 ounces heirloom tomatoes and mince 2 garlic cloves, then add both with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; cook for 7 minutes and stir in 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar.
  3. Pat 12 ounces Pacific cod dry and rub with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. Finely zest 1/2 lemon over the cod, then season it with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Slice 12 ounces zucchini lengthwise into 1/2-inch planks. Coat the zucchini with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  5. Grill the seasoned 12 ounces zucchini for 3 to 4 minutes per side and the seasoned 12 ounces cod for 3 to 4 minutes per side, closing the lid between turns, until the vegetables are charred and the fish reaches 145°F and flakes easily; rest the cod for 3 minutes.
  6. Divide the piperade between 2 plates and arrange the grilled portions alongside it. Squeeze 1/2 lemon over everything, scatter with 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley, and serve.

Total time: 40 minutes

Estimated cost: $20–$25

Health notes: About 440 calories per serving, with roughly 35 grams of protein and a generous serving of summer vegetables.

Drink pairing: A chilled Txakoli complements the smoky vegetables and bright lemon without overwhelming the cod.