Bonjour, dear readers! Today, I’m taking you on a culinary journey straight to the heart of French cuisine with a delightful and easy-to-make dish: Saumon en papillote. This traditional French recipe is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, as it involves baking salmon in a parchment paper parcel, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Let’s dive into the details of this elegant yet simple dish and enjoy a slice of French culture right in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For our Saumon en papillote, we’ll be using fresh and vibrant ingredients that truly bring out the flavors of the fish:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 150g each)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- A handful of fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Preparing Our Ingredients
Before we get to the exciting part—cooking—let’s prepare our ingredients. Make sure your salmon fillets are fresh; a good way to test this is by pressing lightly on the flesh. If it springs back, it’s fresh!
- Slice and Dice: Thinly slice the lemon and zucchini, julienne the carrot, and slice the red onion. French cooking is all about finesse, so take your time to prepare these vegetables evenly.
- Prepping the Papillote: Cut two large squares of parchment paper or aluminum foil. The idea is to create a sealed envelope, so you need enough paper to fold over the salmon and veggies comfortably.
Cooking the Saumon en Papillote
Now comes the best part—assembling and cooking your dish. Here’s how we create those little parcels of goodness:
- Layer the Flavors: Place a few slices of lemon on one half of each parchment square. On top, place the salmon fillets, then season them gently with salt and pepper.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Distribute the zucchini, carrot, and red onion evenly over the salmon. Sprinkle with fresh dill—there’s no such thing as too much dill in French cuisine!
- Drizzle and Wine: Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over each fillet and, if using, add a splash of white wine for an extra layer of flavor.
- Seal the Papillote: Fold the parchment over the salmon and vegetables. Starting from one end, tightly fold the edges over to seal the packet. This will keep all the steam in and cook the salmon and veggies to tender perfection.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the papillotes on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes. The parcels will puff up as the steam cooks everything inside.
A French Tradition with a Twist
This method of cooking—en papillote—is both traditional and innovative. The term itself means “in parchment” in French and speaks to the age-old technique that lets the ingredients cook in their own juices. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly healthy since it requires minimal added fats.
Serving the Saumon en Papillote
Once your papillotes are done, carefully transfer them to a plate. When you or your guests open the parcel, the aromatic steam will welcome you with citrusy, herby notes. Serve this dish with a crusty baguette and a chilled glass of white wine to make it truly French!
A Cultural Note
Cooking en papillote is a method cherished for its simplicity and the way it unlocks the essence of each ingredient. It’s often used in French households for special occasions or a delightful weekend dinner. This method can also be adapted with different ingredients, such as other types of fish, or even chicken and vegetables.
Enjoy your culinary journey, mes amis, and savor every bite of your Saumon en papillote! Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a sophisticated gathering with friends, this dish will undoubtedly bring a touch of French elegance to your table. Bon appétit!
