Pesce en Cartoccio (fish in a pouch)
Fish served in a pouch is a easy way to prepare your favorite fish and a unique presentation for family and friends. The pouch could be either parchment paper or tin foil. Both mediums seal in the juices thus intensify the flavors of the ingredients inside each pouch.
At our last cooking class, participants were invited to prepare their own personalized pouches with various combinations of fish, clams, julienne vegetables, sausages, fresh herbs, white wine, and seasonings to choose from. Some even chose to do a vegetarian version which also came out awesome and delicious!!
There is wide variety of food you can steam in the pouch…fish, red meat, sausages, chicken, veggies, potatoes, herbs, wine. …all types of goodies …all wrapped up into one divine edible package….
Here are some combinations from our last cooking class..
- 4 firm white fish fillets (Tilipia, cod, bass, flounder)
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 zucchini sliced thinly, julienne
- 1 carrot sliced thinly, julienne
- spinach leaves
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 tsp black kalamata olives
- 1 1/2 tablespoons baby capers
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh italian parsley
- 1 pat of butter for each filet
- Preheat oven to 375
- Put each fish fillet in a large square of parchment paper or tin foil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Arrange the vegetables on top, dividing evenly.
- Top the vegetables, olives, capers with 2 lemon slices, 2 sprigs thyme, a pat of butter and 1 tablespoon white wine, layering in order.
- Fold the parchment paper around the edges tightly in 1/4-inch folds to create a half moon shape. Make sure you press as you crimp and fold to seal the packets well, otherwise the steam will escape.
- Arrange the packets on a baking sheet. Bake until the fish is cooked through, about 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
- To serve, cut open the packets and serve directly in the parchment on a plate or remove the fish to the plate using a spatula, being sure you don’t leave the juices behind. delicioso!!
