Italian Herb Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce

The sauce is a very flavorful, year-round, multi-use dream. You can use whatever your favorite sauteed fish is, or you can use chicken instead.   

Ingredients

1-1.5 lbs fresh cod, cut into portion size pieces
4 Tbsp mild EVOO like Arbequina
1 Tbsp Italian Herb Balsamic Vinegar
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
¼ cup dry white wine (may sub with seafood stock)
½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Lemon Pepper Blend
½ tsp lemon zest 

Preparation

1. For the sauce, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute.
2. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they're soft and blistering, yet still hold their shape (9-12 minutes).
3. Stir in white wine and let the mixture simmer gently. Add basil, lemon juice, zest, salt, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then set aside.
4. For the cod, heat 2Tbsp EVOO in another pan over medium heat. Pat cod dry and season with salt and lemon pepper to taste.
5. Place cod in the pan, cooking until golden brown (about 3 minutes each side), or until cooked through.
6. Pour the tomato basil sauce over the cod, warm up for a minute, then serve.