Delicious Cod En Papillote Recipe

Introducing the exquisite Zucchini Lemon Cod Fillet en Papillote—a culinary delight that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This sensational dish combines the delicate flavors of thinly sliced zucchini, zesty lemon, briny olives, and tender cod fillets, all lovingly enveloped in a parchment paper parcel. As it bakes to perfection, the aromas intensify, promising a symphony of flavors that will transport you to culinary bliss. Prepare to be captivated by the melding of textures and the explosion of taste as each ingredient harmoniously melds together. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will ignite your senses and create a lasting impression. Indulge in this zucchini lemon cod fillet en papillote, and let your taste buds dance with delight.

En papillote is a French cooking technique that involves cooking food inside parchment paper or aluminum foil. This method helps to seal in flavors and juices, resulting in tender and moist dishes. It also allows for easy cleanup as all the cooking and serving can be done directly in the parchment paper.

The combination of ingredients in this recipe creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The zucchini provides a fresh and slightly sweet taste, while the lemon adds a bright and tangy citrus flavor. The olives contribute a briny and savory element, and the shallots (or red onions) bring a mild onion flavor. The grape tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity, and the fresh thyme infuses the dish with a subtle herbaceous aroma. All these flavors come together to enhance the delicate taste of the cod fillets.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of fish instead of cod?

A: Yes, you can use other white fish fillets such as halibut, haddock, or tilapia as a substitute for cod in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the fish.

Q: Can I omit or substitute any of the vegetables or ingredients?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. You can substitute the zucchini with other thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. Similarly, you can replace or omit the olives, shallots, or tomatoes based on your liking.

Q: Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?

A: While fresh thyme provides the best flavor, you can use dried thyme if that's what you have on hand. Just remember to use a smaller quantity of dried thyme as it is more potent than fresh. A general guideline is to use one-third of the amount of fresh thyme called for in the recipe.

Q: Can I prepare the packets in advance and bake them later?

A: It's best to assemble and bake the packets right before serving to ensure the flavors and textures are at their best. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and keep them separately. When you're ready to cook, simply assemble the packets and bake them.

Q: Can I grill the fish packets instead of baking them?

A: Yes, you can certainly grill the fish packets instead of baking them. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the sealed parchment paper packets on the grill grates. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.

Q: Can I serve this dish with a different side dish?

A: Absolutely! While the recipe suggests serving the fish with Orzo, you can pair it with any side dish of your choice. Some popular options include steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, couscous, quinoa, or a side salad. Feel free to get creative and choose a side dish that complements the flavors of the zucchini lemon cod fillet.

Make it

Cod Fillet en Papillote

This zucchini lemon cod fillet en papillote recipe is a delightful and healthy dish that brings together the flavors of zucchini, lemon, olives, and tender cod fillets. It is cooked in parchment paper, which helps seal in all the flavors and moisture, resulting in a delicious and beautifully presented meal. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

- 1 medium-sized zucchini, thinly sliced

- 1 large lemon or 2 small lemons, thinly sliced

- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced

- 20 grape tomatoes, halved

- A combination of green olives and calamata olives, sliced

- 4 pieces of cod fillet (cut to desired size)

- Pinch of salt, to taste

- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- Splash of extra virgin olive oil

- Sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

2. Cut a large piece of parchment paper and fold it in half.

3. Place a few slices of zucchini in the center of one half of the parchment paper.

4. Lay one piece of cod fillet on top of the zucchini slices.

5. Season the fish with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

6. Add some slices of olives on top of the fish and around it.

7. Scatter the halved grape tomatoes over the fish.

8. Drizzle a splash of extra virgin olive oil over the ingredients.

9. Add a couple of slices of lemon and a few slices of shallots (or red onion) on top.

10. Place a couple of sprigs of fresh thyme on the fish.

11. Fold the top part of the parchment paper over the bottom half.

12. Roll up the edges tightly around the cod to create a sealed packet.

13. Transfer the packet to a baking tray.

14. Repeat the same steps with the remaining three pieces of cod fillet and parchment paper.

15. Bake in the preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 14 to 16 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. Cook until the internal temperature of the fish reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

16. After about 14 minutes, carefully remove the packets from the oven. They should be puffed up and lightly browned.

17. Transfer each packet to a serving plate.

18. Open the parchment paper carefully to reveal the delicious zucchini lemon cod fillet.

19. Serve the fish and vegetables together on the plate.

20. Enjoy your zucchini lemon cod fillet en papillote! Serve with a side of Orzo or any desired accompaniment.

Note: The Parmesan Orzo side dish mentioned in the video, you can find the link here: Buttery Parmesan Orzo Recipe

Thank you for watching! We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious zucchini lemon cod fillet en papillote. See you next time!