How to Cook With Parchment Bags
Parchment paper bags can be used in the kitchen to easily steam a low fat, but hearty, flavorful meal using a technique known as "en papillote," which is French for "in parchment." Parchment paper bags can be purchased at almost any grocery or kitchen supply stores. Also, you can make your own bags by folding a sheet of parchment paper in half and folding two of the loose edges at least three times to create a tight seam. This cooking technique can also be used with aluminum foil, grape leaves or corn husks instead of parchment paper.
Things You'll Need
- Parchment paper bags
- Assorted vegetables, including onions, mushrooms garlic, carrots and potatoes (enough to serve 4-6)
- Fish fillets or chicken breasts
- Cookie sheet
Instructions
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Clean and slice the vegetables into bite-sized chunks. You can use any vegetables in this cooking method, though it is recommended that you use some moisture-rich vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms. Make sure the vegetable pieces are consistent in size so each piece is cooked thoroughly.
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Place one serving of the assorted vegetables in a bed inside one of the parchment bags, and top the vegetables with a fish fillet or chicken breast. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and include any herbs you like, such as rosemary or thyme; seal the open edge of the bag.
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Repeat Step 2 for each meal you are preparing. This cooking method works best when you prepare one serving per bag. Overloading a bag will prevent the meal from cooking thoroughly.
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Place the sealed bags in a single layer on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes.
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Carefully remove the bags from the oven, and open one to check whether it is done cooking. This fish or chicken should be heated to a safe internal temperature, and the vegetables should be soft and tender. If the meat and vegetables are not done cooking, seal the bag back up and place all of the bags in the oven for 5 more minutes.
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Repeat Step 5 until your meals are thoroughly cooked.
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Serve the meals by opening the parchment paper bags and pouring the contents on plates for each diner.
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