Herbed Haddock with Lemony Rice Pouches
Baking in parchment packets is a great way to steam foods and lock in flavor. Not only that, it makes a fun presentation when served to guests! Place the packet on the plate and then cut open and get a wonderfully fragrant steamy introduction to your dinner.
Serves 4
4 cups cooked long grain instant brown rice, warmed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large lemons, 1 zested to yield 1 Tbsp. lemon zest and 1 Tbsp. juice, 1 thinly sliced and seeded
1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill
1½ lb. boneless skinless haddock fillet, cut into 4 pieces
8 Tbsp. unsalted butter
¼ cup dry white wine
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F.
In a large bowl, combine the rice with the lemon zest, and juice. Season to taste with salt and
pepper.
To prepare the parchment packages: Cut four 15×24-inch sheets of parchment. Fold each sheet
in half, forming a 15×12-inch rectangle. Cut out a half heart shape, using a pencil to draw it, if
necessary.
Open the parchment heart on a work surface. Divide the rice equally among the sheets,
arranging it in a small mound close to the center crease of the heart. Season the haddock fillets
with salt and pepper and place them on top of the rice. Top equally with the shallot, parsley,
and dill. Place 2 to 3 lemon slices over each fillet, top with 2 Tbs. butter and pour 1 Tbs. white
wine over each.
Fold the other half of the heart and line up the edges. Starting at the center top of the heart,
fold over about 1/2 inch of the edge, pressing down to make a crisp crease. Continue working
your way around the edge of the packet, making overlapping folds (like pleats), always creasing
the edge so the folds hold. At the bottom of the heart, twist the tip of the heart to secure the
folds.
Transfer the packets to two large, rimmed baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes. Rotate and
swap the baking sheets’ positions and continue to bake until the packets are puffed and
fragrant, about 5 minutes more. Transfer the packets to individual plates and serve
immediately.
Let each person individually open their packet to receive the initial hit of steam as
part of the experience.
