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    Porgy with Fennel Frond Pesto

    clock-icon30 minutes
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    Author
    Pixicook editorial team

    A delightful dish that combines the slightly sweet and anise-like flavors of fennel with the rich, nutty notes of a homemade pesto.

    Ingredients for Porgy with Fennel Frond Pesto

    units in
    USchevron
    units in
    USchevron
    serves
    2 peoplechevron
    serves
    2 peoplechevron

    Fennel Bulb With Fronds, Fronds coarsely chopped, bulb thinly sliced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Small Onion, Sliced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Kosher Salt

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Freshly Ground Black Pepper

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Clove, Peeled

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Pine Nuts

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Porgy Fillets, Each about 3 ounces

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon Wedges

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cooked Potatoes

    optional

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Porgy with Fennel Frond Pesto

    1. Prep Fennel Fronds and Bulb

    Coarsely chop enough fennel fronds to measure one cup. Remove the outer layers and core from the fennel bulb, then thinly slice it.

    2. Caramelize Fennel and Onion

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add one tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the fennel slices and onion with a pinch of salt and pepper for about 20 minutes, until caramelized.

    3. Make Pesto

    In a food processor or blender, combine garlic cloves, pine nuts, half a teaspoon of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Add the chopped fennel fronds and four tablespoons of olive oil, then process until smooth.

    4. Cook Porgy Fillets

    Season the porgy fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the fillets for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

    5. Plating

    Lay the caramelized fennel and onion mixture on plates, place the cooked fillets on top, and spoon the fennel frond pesto over them. Serve with lemon wedges and optional cooked potatoes.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Freshness is key

    Ensure the porgy is fresh, with clear eyes and a firm texture.

    Skin Side Down

    Start cooking the fish skin side down in a hot, non-stick skillet with oil for crispiness.

    Balance of Flavors

    Taste and adjust the pesto as you go, ensuring a good balance with garlic, nuts, and cheese.

    Proper Filleting

    Ask your fishmonger to fillet the porgy if you're not comfortable doing it yourself; keep the skin on for texture.

    Don't Flip too Early

    Wait until the skin releases naturally from the pan to avoid tearing.


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