Mediterranean Cod in Parchment Paper Packets

Parchment paper packets are a great way to make fish dishes. They do take a little more effort than simply throwing everything on a pan and baking it, but the packet creates steam that cooks the fish and vegetables and really helps to develop flavors while keeping the fish tender. There are a million different “fish en papillote” recipes out there and I think it can be done with just about any fish. You can really get creative with this simple technique. Start with vegetables, add the fish, a little bit of butter or olive oil and some herbs and you’re done! I went with a mediterranean flare because I had all of these ingredients on hand but definitely feel free to swap things in and out! 

Serves 2

Ingredients: 2 Cod Fillets

2 Yukon Gold Potatoes

½ cup of Artichoke Hearts quartered, frozen or canned work!

⅓ cup of Olives, kalamata or black olives would work well! 

1 tbsp of Minced Garlic 

1 cup of Cherry Tomatoes

Capers

Dill

Parsley 

1 Lemon

Olive Oil 

TJ’s Everyday Seasoning or your favorite seasoning! 

Parchment Paper

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. 

2. Cut two large pieces of parchment paper and fold each one in half. Use your best judgment here and make sure that the piece of paper will be big enough to fit the fish and vegetables. 

3. Prep the vegetables. Thinly slice the potatoes to ensure that they will cook through completely. Halve the cherry tomatoes and olives and quarter the artichoke hearts. Chop the dill and parsley, you will want about 3 to 4 tbsp of herbs! Cut two slices of lemon and reserve the rest of the lemon for juice. 

4. Once all the vegetables are prepped, it is time to build the packet. On one half of the parchment paper, start with the potatoes and add minced garlic and a little bit of olive oil and salt. Add tomatoes, artichokes, olives, and capers. Next add the cod filet and season with a generous amount of TJ’s Everyday Seasoning. Add a little bit of butter or olive oil, about ½ tbsp, on top of the cod and cover with the lemon slice. Sprinkle the fresh herbs on top. Repeat for the second filet on the second piece of parchment paper. 

5. Once the packets are filled you will want to seal it by folding over the edges starting at one corner and working your way around. The packets will look like semicircles. 

6. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. I took mine out at 22 minutes and they were perfect. You can transfer the contents of the packet to a plate or just eat right off the parchment paper and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice! Enjoy!