Flounder en Papillote

 

I remember having fish prepared in parchment a few years ago, at Not Your Average Joe's in Lexington. It was really tasty, the presentation was excellent (like opening a present!)… Finally got around to trying it myself. Why did it take me so long??!! Consider cooking chicken this way, just needs an extra 10 minutes. The food steams inside and all the juices are delicious. Soak them up with rice or mashed potatoes.

Some veggies need more cooking time- so you partially cook then cool them before adding to the packet. Since it's still Valentine's season, I made the packets heart shaped. The taster was not in on this one, he feasted on sushi earlier.

This recipe was torn out of magazine in March of 2006. Can't guess which one, on the back is an ad for Central Kitchen and The Kendall. One cookie sheet fits 2 hearts.

Flounder en Papillote
Total time: 30 minutes; active time: 12 minutes

1/2 lb fresh green beans
8 15x12" sheets parchment paper
3 Tb olive oil, divided
4 flounder fillets (or other firm white fish), about 6 oz each
1/2 tsp kosher or sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut into halves
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Garnish: lemon wedges

Heat oven to 450º.
Cook green beans in boiling salted water about 3 minutes. Run under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.

Fold parchment sheets in half (but don't crease), in order to cut out hearts.
Place on sheet pan(s) for assembly.

Drizzle about 1 tsp olive oil on one side of each heart.
Place a fillet on top, sprinkle with salt & pepper.
Top with green beans, tomatoes, scallions & Italian seasoning.
Drizzle with about 1 tsp olive oil.
Seal packages, forming a heart shape, and put in oven.

Bake for 12 minutes or until bags are puffed and fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. (I baked for 11 minutes without testing it). Garnish with lemon wedges, serve immediately. Have water with lemon to drink.

Guests can eat directly from the parchment (I recommend) or empty the contents onto their plate.
Beware of the steam!