Fish in a Packet

Here is a Ken-approved meal that is easy, tasty, healthy AND no dishes!!!! We have a winner.

It's from my favorite cookbook, Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home. I feel like I'm cheating posting it, since I didn't change a single thing. Basically, just order this cookbook right now. There are some used ones on Amazon for like $4, although I can't imagine ever wanting to get rid of this one. It's vegetarian except they also eat fish. So, here is this amazing fish recipe.

French Fish in a Packet - serves 2
2 sheets aluminum foil, 12x24"
2 5- or 6- oz. fish fillets (I used frozen tilapia fillets, thawed)
1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
1 c. sliced mushrooms
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 T. olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
1/4 c. dry white wine
dash of salt and black pepper
1 tsp. dried basil (I used a spice blend... Mural of Spices from Penzey's)
6 black olives, halved and pitted (I used kalamata)

1. Preheat oven to 450.

2. Fold each sheet of foil in half to make double-thick square. Brush a little oil in the center. Rinse fish. Prepare all ingredients.

3. Layer half of ingredients in the middle of each square in this order: zucchini, mushrooms, fish, onion slices. Sprinkle with olive oil, lemon juice, wine, S&P and basil. Top with olive halves. Fold foil into airtight packets and bake for 20 minutes. Avoiding steam that will be released, open a packet to check that fish is done (you can put a fork in the middle and twist - if it's flaky, it's done).

4. To serve, lift fish & veggies with spatula onto plates. Pour liquid left in foil over each serving.

I served ours with rice. I also made wilted spinach, but you really don't need extra veggies... all the veggies you need are in the packet with the fish! Brilliant.

Moosewood has several variations on this theme including Greek, Caribbean and Asian fish in a packet. I think next time I'll try Caribbean. Yum.