Salmon en papillote

Good, tasty, and attractive food doesn't have to be difficult to make, or cost so much you can't afford it. In the spring here on the food blog, I want to focus on affordable, great tasting food, that you can make at home in reasonable time. What more could we ask, or want, from a home cooked meal?!

En papillote (French for "in parchment"), is a method of cooking in which the food is put into a folded pouch or parcel and then baked. The parcel is typically made from folded parchment paper. The parcel holds in moisture to steam the food. The pocket is created by overlapping circles of parchment paper and then folding them tightly around the food to create a seal. A papillote should be opened at the table to allow people to smell the aroma when it opens. Great way to cook fish and vegetables!

VODKA SALMON

salmon fillet per person
1 TBSP of vodka per file
cucumbers sliced
leek sliced
tomatoes halved/sliced
salt, pepper


SALAD

baby greens
sweet peas
radish
mango
blue cheese

Cut a large heart shape from the parchment paper, and on the other side of the heart, place the cucumbers, leeks (with s+p), top them with salmon fillets. Brush the fillets with the vodka, letting it 'drown' in it, if wanted (S+P). Top with tomatoes (S+P). Remember to salt and pepper after each ingredient.
Fold the parchment paper tight, and set in the 400F/200C oven for 10-15 minutes.

While the salmon is cooking, mix a salad, boil rice, small potatoes, or what ever it is that you want to serve on the side. All in all, it doesn't take more than 20 min from washing your hands to start, to sitting in the table enjoying your meal. Easy, delicious, and affordable. Not to mention the affect of the aroma coming from the en papillote, when opened at the table..
~ Cheers!