Mediterranean Cod en Papillote (Fish in Parchment Paper)
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Mediterranean Cod en Papillote (Fish in Parchment Paper)
Description
This recipe features medallions of cod nestled on a bed of sliced zucchini, topped with vibrant Mediterranean ingredients: thinly sliced lemon, shallots, fresh thyme sprigs, halved olives, and juicy grape tomatoes. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, the fish is folded inside parchment to seal in moisture and flavors. Baking at 400°F for 14 to 18 minutes gently cooks the cod until opaque and flaky.
The papillote method steams the fish with its toppings, resulting in a delicate, moist texture and brightness from lemon and herbs combined with subtle sweetness from shallots and tomatoes. Olives add a savory depth, while olive oil provides unctuousness. The zucchini acts as a tender vegetable base.
To serve, the packets are carefully cut open at the table releasing fragrant steam and presenting the fish beautifully along with its accompaniments. This preparation suits a light dinner or elegant lunch paired with simple grains or a salad.
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini medium
- 4 (6-ounce) cod filet
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 2 lemon thinly sliced, plural
- 1 shallot thinly sliced, small
- 4 prigs thyme fresh
- 20 olive halved or quartered
- 20 grape tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Assemble the packets. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Fold a 12x16-inch sheet of parchment paper in half, then open it. Add several slices of zucchini in the center of one half, then top with a piece of cod. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add toppings. Top the cod with 2 to 3 lemon slices, a few slices of shallot, a sprig of thyme, 5 olives, and 5 tomatoes (it's okay if these fall to the side). Drizzle a little olive oil on top.
- Fold and seal. Fold the top half of the parchment paper over the bottom half, then tightly roll up the edges around the cod. Repeat this process with the other 3 pieces of cod.
- Bake. Place the 4 parchment paper packets on a baking sheet, place in the oven, and bake for 14 to 18 minutes (depending on thickness), or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- To serve. Use a knife to pierce the center of each parchment packet, and open it up before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper large enough to fold and seal tightly around the fish and vegetables for effective steaming.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 275 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 275kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 414mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 1142mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1012IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 53mg | 59% |
| Calcium | 74mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.