Il Cucinologo
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Fish in Parchment

17/11/2023

I can provide you with instructions to prepare a delicious fish in parchment. This preparation allows the fish to cook in its own juices, absorbing the aromas of the herbs and other ingredients, for a tender and flavorful result.

Ingredients

  • 4 fish fillets (for example sea bass, sea bream or salmon), about 150-200 g each
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 4 sprigs of rosemary (or thyme, or parsley)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Vegetables of your choice (for example cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini or spinach)
  • Dry white wine, a couple of tablespoons for each packet

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
  2. Clean and pat dry the fish fillets, then season them with salt and pepper.
  3. Prepare 4 sheets of parchment paper or aluminum foil, large enough to wrap each fillet.
  4. Lightly grease the center of each sheet with a drizzle of oil.
  5. On the bottom of each sheet, arrange a few lemon slices and one garlic clove.
  6. Place the fish fillets on top of the lemon and garlic layers.
  7. Add more vegetables if desired - cherry tomatoes, zucchini, spinach - ensuring they are arranged around the fish.
  8. Place a sprig of rosemary (or the herb of your choice) on each fillet.
  9. Pour a couple of tablespoons of white wine over each fillet.
  10. Close the packets well, sealing the edges by folding them over themselves to prevent steam from escaping during cooking.
  11. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
  12. Serve the packets still closed, opening them directly on the plate to preserve the aromas.

Note:

Fish in parchment is a very versatile cooking technique and you can customize the ingredients according to your tastes and what you have available at home. You can also add an Italian touch with a bit of Genovese pesto or some Taggiasca olives to evoke Mediterranean flavors.

Remember that cooking times vary depending on the type and thickness of the fish; therefore, check the packet during cooking to prevent the fish from drying out too much.