Description
Mediterranean Cod en Papillote is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring tender cod fillets baked in parchment paper with fresh vegetables, olives, lemon, shallots, and thyme. This classic French cooking technique locks in moisture and enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a light and aromatic meal perfect for a quick dinner or elegant entertaining.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 20 olives, halved or quartered
- 20 grape tomatoes, halved
Fish
- 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets
Seasoning & Oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Assemble packets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a 12x16-inch sheet of parchment paper and fold it in half, then open it to create a crease for folding later.
- Layer zucchini and cod: On one half of the parchment, place several slices of zucchini in the center. Top the zucchini with one cod fillet. Season the cod with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
- Add toppings: Arrange 2 to 3 lemon slices on top of the cod, followed by a few slices of shallot, one sprig of fresh thyme, 5 olives, and 5 grape tomato halves. Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the ingredients to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Fold the parchment pouch: Fold the top half of the parchment over the layering and tightly roll and crimp the edges to seal the packet well, ensuring steam stays inside during baking. Repeat these steps for the remaining cod pieces and ingredients.
- Bake: Place all four sealed parchment packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 18 minutes. Check the cod for doneness; it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Serve: Carefully pierce the center of each parchment packet with a knife to release steam. Open the packets and transfer the contents to plates or serve directly in the parchment as a stylish presentation.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cod fillets; adjust baking time accordingly.
- You can substitute cod with similar white fish like haddock or halibut.
- Try adding other Mediterranean herbs such as oregano or rosemary for variation.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure the parchment paper is certified gluten-free.
- Use fresh lemons for a bright citrus flavor, but preserved lemon slices can add an interesting twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean