| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 287 | 12g | 2g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 30g | 0.8g |
Why I Love New Zealand Baked John Dory with Tomato and Basil
Today I’m excited to share with you one of my absolute favorite finds, a delightful dish from Down Under, the Baked John Dory with Tomato and Basil. Not commonly found in most American or even Irish kitchens, this New Zealand recipe grabbed my attention for its simplicity and mouthwatering blend of flavors.
Finding Inspiration in Unlikely Places
I found inspiration for this recipe from Chef Josh Emett, a renowned New Zealand Chef who has made a significant mark worldwide. His love for high-quality ingredients and straightforward, flavorsome meals truly resonates with my own philosophy of cooking. Although this is not a traditional Irish dish or typical of the seafood cuisine in my hometown of Boston, the ethos behind it is the same – good ingredients, prepared with care, results in good food.
Perfect Fusion, Pure Flavors
Baked John Dory with Tomato and Basil is a recipe that beautifully combines elements that I genuinely adore. The excellent yet subtle taste of John Dory fillets is amplified by the sweet and tangy blend of tomatoes, garlic, onion, and white wine in this dish. Enhanced with a hint of fresh basil, this recipe manages to marry diverse flavors in a pleasing and harmonious way.
I feel this recipe shares similarities with traditional New England chowders, where wholesome ingredients create a comforting and nourishing dish, albeit a lighter version. The hearty tomato and basil components also remind me of Bolognese sauce, one of the many delicious offerings from my fiancée Laura’s Italian ancestry.
My suggestion would be to try pairing this Baked John Dory dish with a crisp green salad and a loaf of crusty bread, or perhaps some oven-roasted baby potatoes. The resulting meal promises to be both satisfying and wholesome.
Every time I prepare this recipe at home, it is a hit. Even our little boy seems to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors. It’s more proof, if any were needed, that good food can bring people together across continents and cultures just as powerfully as those time-honored family recipes we cherish.
What You’ll Need
- 6 John Dory fillets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 and 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Season the John Dory fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for a couple of minutes.
Step Three
Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until it reduces by half. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Four
Next, add the finely chopped ripe tomatoes to the skillet, along with the tomato paste and white sugar. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Step Five
Now, place the seasoned John Dory fillets on top of the tomato mixture in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step Six
While the fish is baking, chop the fresh basil leaves. Once the fish is done baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the baked John Dory and drizzle balsamic vinegar top.
Step Seven
Your Baked John Dory with Tomato and Basil is now ready to serve. Enjoy this flavorful dish with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
