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Elegant Cod & Mussels in Delicate Tomato Broth – A Signature Recipe from My Cannes Restaurant

Flaky cod loin, briny mussels from Normandy, and a refined tomato broth come together in this stunning French seafood recipe—one I personally developed and served at my restaurant in Cannes. A light, flavorful dish that’s perfect for healthy Mediterranean cooking.


A Signature Creation from my former restaurant in Cannes

This is not just another seafood dish—it’s a signature recipe I developed and perfected in my restaurant in Cannes. Inspired by the fresh seafood at Marché Forville, I wanted a recipe that felt both elegant and deeply satisfying, something that would highlight the natural sweetness of fresh cod while enhancing it with a light yet complex tomato broth.


Although cod is not a Mediterranean fish and the mussels come from Normandy, this dish represents the essence of French coastal cuisine—a blend of the finest ingredients from different regions, cooked with care and precision. The mussels are steamed separately, preserving their delicate, briny juices before they are placed onto the tender, poached cod, which gently absorbs the flavors of the broth.


The result? A dish that’s light yet luxurious, comforting yet refined. The broth is everything—infused with white wine, garlic, and fresh thyme, it wraps the seafood in a delicate, aromatic embrace. Served with crusty baguette, it’s a meal that speaks of long lunches by the sea, fresh market produce, and the joy of simple, beautifully executed cooking.


If you’re looking for a diabetes-friendly seafood recipe that’s both nutritious and indulgent, this dish is the perfect choice.

Elegant Poached Cod in Aromatic Tomato Broth with Normandy Mussels – A Taste of French Coastal Perfection
Elegant Poached Cod in Aromatic Tomato Broth with Normandy Mussels – A Taste of French Coastal Perfection

Cod Loin & Mussels in Delicate Tomato Broth


Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes


For the Tomato Broth:

✔️12 ounces tomatoes (about 4 medium), quartered

✔️1 red bell pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped

✔️1 leek, trimmed and cleaned

✔️4 cloves garlic, smashed

✔️1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt

✔️½ teaspoon paprika

✔️4 sprigs fresh thyme

✔️ 2 sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley

✔️1 bay leaf

✔️6 cups water or vegetable stock


For the Seafood:

✔️4 fresh cod loin fillets

✔️12-16 fresh mussels (Normandy or your preferred variety), cleaned and debearded

✔️1 tablespoon olive oil

✔️½ cup dry white wine

✔️Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

✔️Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

✔️Crusty baguette, for serving



Preparation:

Prepare the Tomato Broth:

1️⃣ Build the base – In a medium saucepan, combine the tomatoes, bell pepper, leek, garlic, salt, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and 6 cups of water or vegetable stock.

2️⃣ Simmer gently – Cover and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 30 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t boil too aggressively.

3️⃣ Strain & refine – Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Blend the broth until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing to extract all the liquid. Discard the remaining pulp and solids.

4️⃣ Keep warm – Return the strained broth to the saucepan and keep it warm over low heat.


Steam the Mussels:

1️⃣ Prepare the pot – In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

2️⃣ Add the mussels – Place the cleaned mussels in the pot, pour in ½ cup of dry white wine, and cover.

3️⃣ Steam until open – Let them steam for about 4-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until all the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that remain closed.

4️⃣ Set aside – Remove from heat and keep the mussels warm.


Poach the Cod & Assemble the Dish:

1️⃣ Gently poach the cod – Place the cod fillets into the simmering tomato broth, ensuring they are submerged. Let them poach gently for 6-8 minutes, until opaque and flaky.

2️⃣ Plate the dish – Using a slotted spoon, transfer a cod fillet into each bowl. Carefully place a few steamed mussels on top of the cod.

3️⃣ Ladle the broth – Pour the warm tomato broth around the seafood, letting it envelop the dish.

4️⃣ Garnish & serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty baguette to soak up the broth.


What Makes This Dish So Special?

✨ A true signature recipe – Developed in my own restaurant kitchen, this is not a bistro classic but a dish inspired by my time in Cannes.

✨ Balanced & refined – The delicate tomato broth enhances, rather than overpowers, the seafood.

✨ Diabetes-friendly – Low in carbs, rich in lean protein, and full of clean, nourishing ingredients.

✨ A celebration of flavors – Each element is cooked individually to highlight its unique qualities, ensuring the perfect final bite.


A Taste of My Cannes Kitchen to Yours

This dish is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience, a way to bring a bit of French coastal elegance into your own home. The flavors are bold yet refined, the ingredients are simple yet luxurious. So grab a crisp glass of white wine, toast some fresh baguette, and let this dish transport you to a sunlit terrace in the South of France.


📌 Bring a little Mediterranean magic to your table!



 
 
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