paper scissors fish - yum

Ok, it was hot out.  Really, hot.  Grilling seemed like a good idea, but I mowed the lawn and did not want to even want go outside to the grill.  So I grabbed some parchment paper (foil will sub also) and made some fish in parchment.  Mostly from our garden (not the fish).

before cooking

Fish in Parchment (It's fancy!)


1 lb of fish (I used cod, but any mild fish that does not have skin on it will work)
4 potatoes (dice and precook these by boiling, put them on first and they will be done by the time you finish the rest of the prep)
1 med zucchini diced (garden grown)
1 c. approx of diced tomato (I used cherry ones from our garden)
1 large garlic bulb diced
1/2 large red onion (green or regular onion can be subbed, I like to rinse the red onion in hot water to take the bite off)
1/4 c red wine (or white wine or balsamic vinegar, whatever you have around)
2 T of Butter in 8 pieces
handful of basil and oregano leaves (from our garden, you could sub a shake or two of dried)
1/2 red bell pepper (optional, I did not have it but I like it in the recipe)
salt and pepper


Preheat oven to 350.  Put water on to boil potatoes.  Dice potatoes and cook for about 20 min.  While potatoes are cooking, dice zucchini, tomato, garlic, and onion.  Divide each veggie in half and then half again to have 4 portions.  This will make assembly fast.  Take out fish and apply salt and pepper to both sides.  Attempt 4 equal portions.  Take out parchment or foil and make 4 each 12-15 inch squares.  To assemble place 1/4 of potatoes, zucchini, onion and tomatoes (save a few tomatoes for the top if you like) plus a few basil leaves in the middle of the square. Add a bit of salt here.  Then place fish on top with the garlic, 2 pieces of butter, the oregano and maybe a few tomatoes.  Pour about a tablespoon of wine on top.  To seal the parchment fold over small folds starting at one end and continue until it is sealed (it not that hard but you can check the internet if you want some specific directions, but I do not bother with cutting it into a heart shape).  Repeat for the other three pieces of fish.  Place on a cookie sheet into oven for about 20 minutes or longer if you have thicker fish pieces.  You might have to unwrap one to check on doneness, but that is OK.  Put the entire wrap on people's plates to serve with perhaps some bread to soak up the lovely sauce that is made inside the parchment.  Enjoy!
Note:  Don't use wax paper. 

after its cooked