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Sole En Papillote With Tomatoes Capers and Olives

Looking for something different to make? Preparing fish or any other food “en papillote” is simply French for fish “in paper”.  It is considered a moist heat cooking method where the food is placed in a folded and sealed pouch and baked in an oven. Most often this is done using parchment paper; but in a pinch, aluminum foil and a small paper lunch bag will work just as well.

Papillote

My go-to is parchment, especially when using fish since parchment paper is non-stick. But you must make sure your ends are sealed nice and tight. The cooking method here is steam. The parchment parcel seals in moisture and steams the food. For dramatic effect, a papillote is traditionally served at the table where it is sliced open with a knife so the aroma can be enjoyed upon releasing the steam.

Delicate foods such as fish or vegetables are most often used when cooking en papillote because they can be steamed quickly. Liquid such as wine, stock, or water can be added to help enhance flavor.

Papillote

Fish en papillote is a wonderful, easy, and healthy way to cook many fish and vegetables. For this recipe, I keep it ultra simple by adding beautiful red and yellow grape tomatoes, olives, capers, and a touch of citrus. Top with a drizzle of great olive oil, wine, and seasoning. It’s that simple. Perfecting the proper fold to thoroughly seal the papillote is the trick here, but you can easily master it.

For more information on making the perfect parchment papillote, check out this link.  Because you can’t see inside the parchment pouch to gauge if the fish is done, you must rely on the recipe or a bit of trial and error until you get the technique down pat. Once you’ve got that down, there is no stopping you. This is a great cooking method all home cooks should learn and one that can truly be used year-round for a quick meal option

Papillote

About the Author

Andrea Potischman

I am a professionally trained NYC chef turned CA mom and food blogger. I post about real food, with doable ingredient lists that are family friendly.

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