Salmon en Papillote

                                          Salmon en Papillote

Salmon en Papillote, also known as "Salmon in Parchment," is a French cooking technique where salmon and vegetables are cooked together in a sealed parchment paper packet. This method allows the flavors to meld and steam the fish to perfection. Here's a simple and delicious recipe for Salmon en Papillote:

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces/170g each), skinless or skin-on
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 1 small yellow squash, sliced
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or use fresh thyme leaves)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
• Parchment paper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • In a bowl, toss the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic together.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be the sauce that flavors the salmon and vegetables.

4. Assemble the Packets:

   • Cut two large pieces of parchment paper, each about 12 inches (30 cm) square.
   • Fold each parchment paper in half and then unfold it.
   • Place a salmon fillet on one side of each parchment paper, slightly off-center.
   • Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
   • Divide the prepared vegetables evenly and arrange them around the salmon fillets.

5. Drizzle with Sauce:

   • Spoon the sauce over each salmon fillet and the vegetables. Make sure to coat everything evenly.

6. Seal the Packets:

   • Fold the parchment paper over the salmon and vegetables, then start folding and crimping the edges together to create a sealed packet. This will ensure that the steam stays trapped inside while cooking.

7. Bake in the Oven:

   • Place the sealed parchment packets on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven.
   • Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. The salmon should be cooked through and easily flake with a fork.

8. Serve:

   • Carefully open the parchment paper packets (be cautious of the hot steam) and transfer the salmon and vegetables to serving plates.
   • Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.
   • Serve the Salmon en Papillote immediately while still hot.

Salmon en Papillote is not only a delightful and healthy dish but also a visually impressive one. The parchment packets help lock in the flavors and moisture, resulting in tender and flavorful salmon and vegetables. Enjoy this tasty and elegant meal for a special dinner or any occasion