John Dory Fish with Peaches and Swiss Chard

John Dory is a highly valued fish, known for its tender and delicate flesh. The combination with peaches pairs perfectly, giving the dish a subtle sweetness. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 John Dory fillets, about 200 g each
• 2 ripe but firm peaches
• 1 bunch of Swiss chard (or spinach if you prefer)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lemon juice
• 1 clove of garlic
• Dry white wine

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning the Swiss chard, removing the stems and roughly chopping them. Wash the leaves in cold water to remove any soil residue and drain well.

2. In a non-stick pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and lightly sauté the whole garlic clove (which you will later remove). Add the Swiss chard, season with salt and pepper, and let it wilt. Add a bit of water if necessary to prevent it from sticking, and cook until tender. If you wish, you can deglaze with a splash of white wine towards the end of cooking.

3. Meanwhile, peel the peaches, remove the pits, and cut them into wedges. In another pan, heat some oil and add the peach wedges. Cook over medium heat until they are slightly caramelized, then deglaze with a squirt of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

4. Dry the John Dory fillets with paper towels, season them with salt and pepper. In a preheated pan, add a drizzle of oil and cook the fillets for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and properly cooked.

5. Plate by placing the Swiss chard at the bottom, lay the fish fillet on top, and finish with the caramelized peach wedges.

You might want to complete the dish with a sprinkle of fresh pepper and a raw drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy your meal!

Curiosity

The name “John Dory” comes from a black spot on its sides, which according to legend, is the fingerprint left by the apostle Peter when he took it from the Sea of Galilee.