John Dory with peaches and chard
- Gluten Free
- Lactose Free
- Energy Kcal 229
- Carbohydrates g 5.1
- of which sugars g 5.1
- Protein g 24.4
- Fats g 12.3
- of which saturated fat g 1.93
- Fiber g 1.9
- Cholesterol mg 104
- Sodium mg 550
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Prep time: 20 min
- Cook time: 20 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Average
PRESENTATION
When summer rolls around in Italy, it is like the perfect time to dive into a dish like John Dory with Peaches and Chard. I mean, this recipe really really captures the heart of the season with its use of sweet yellow-fleshed peaches and colorful red-stemmed chard. Seriously good stuff.
The John Dory fish, also known as San Pietro, is celebrated for its tender and almost buttery white flesh—which makes it a standout on any table. And here's the thing: it’s known for absorbing the flavors of what it’s cooked with, and when paired with the slightly bitter chard and juicy peaches, the result is a plate that’s bursting with color and freshness.
In parts of central Italy, where simplicity reigns, this combination is a favorite, letting the natural ingredients really shine. Pretty much. During the warmer months, John Dory with Chard is a popular choice for those seeking a dish that’s both light and a touch elegant.
And listen, the tangy bite of the chard, the sweet pop of the peach, and the clean, moist fish create a balanced balance that’s satisfying. Not your everyday seafood recipe—super tasty. Which is great for a fun surprise for guests. San Pietro fish is known for its versatility, and while you’ll find various John Dory recipe variations throughout Italy, this one stands out with its refined twist.
Whether you’re into healthy fish recipes or just want a summer dish that feels a little unique, this meal is sure to leave a lasting impression. Bring it to your next dinner gathering, and you know what, watch as everyone tries to identify that golden touch of flavor—it’s the peach. And it’s what makes this dish so memorable. Perfect for impressing your guests, this Italian-inspired creation is a proof to the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients working together to create something really special.
- INGREDIENTS
- Pesce San Pietro (St. Peter's Fish) 1.3 lbs (600 g) - (4 fillets)
- Chard 0.9 lb (400 g) - red
- Fresh scallion 3.5 oz (100 g)
- Extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp (40 g)
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Nectarines 4.6 oz (130 g)
- Melissa 3 leaves
How to prepare John Dory with peaches and chard
To prepare John Dory with peaches and chard, start by cleaning the latter. Remove the ends of the stalks 1, split the leaves in half 2, and rinse them under running water 3.
Slice the spring onion 4 and transfer it to a pan where you have already added a drizzle of oil 5. Let it soften for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally, then add the red chard stalks.
Cover with a lid 7. Cook for about ten minutes, and when they have wilted, season with salt 8 and pepper. Continue cooking for a couple more minutes 9, then set them aside.
Wash the nectarine, cut it in half using a knife 10, remove the pit, and first slice it into 0.4-inch thick slices 11 and then into cubes 12.
Transfer the cubes to a large bowl 13, and add the lemon balm leaves, after chopping them with a knife 14. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil.
Now move on to the John Dory fillets; it's best not to remove the skin so they don't fall apart during cooking. Cut the fillets in half 16 to obtain 8 smaller pieces. Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan and place the John Dory fillets skin-side down 17, salt to taste, and cook for 2-3 minutes in total over high heat, flipping the fillets halfway through 18. Then turn off the heat.
If necessary, in the meantime, slightly reheat the red chard before plating. Divide the red chard among the serving plates 19, add the nectarine cubes 20, and finally the fish fillets 21. John Dory with peaches and chard is ready to serve!