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Cod Baked in Foil with Fennel and Shallots

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Directions

1. Combine fennel and shallots in large microwave-safe bowl; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave on high power until fennel has started to wilt, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. Combine butter, zest, garlic, 1 teaspoon tarragon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in small bowl. Combine orange pieces and remaining teaspoon tarragon in another small bowl; set aside.

2. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 450°F. Cut eight 12-inch sheets of foil; arrange four flat on counter. Divide fennel and shallot mixture among foil sheets, mounding in center of each. Pour 1 tablespoon vermouth over each mound of vegetables. Pat fish dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper and place one fillet on top of each vegetable mound. Spread quarter of butter mixture on top of each fillet. Place second square of foil on top of fish; crimp edges together in 1/2-inch fold, then fold over three more times to create a packet about 7 inches square (see illustrations, above). Place packets on rimmed baking sheet (overlapping slightly if necessary).

3. Bake packets 15 minutes. Carefully open foil, allowing steam to escape away from you. Using thin metal spatula, gently slide fish and vegetables onto plate with any accumulated juices. Serve immediately, spooning orange and tarragon mixture over fish before serving.

Serves 4

Notes

Haddock, red snapper, halibut, and sea bass also work well in this recipe and those that follow as long as the fillets are 1 to 1 1/4 inches thick. The packets may be assembled several hours ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to cook. If the packets have been refrigerated for more than 30 minutes, increase the cooking time by 2 minutes. Open each packet promptly after baking to prevent overcooking. Zest the orange before cutting it into wedges.

Why this recipe works:
For a foil-baked fish recipe with flaky fish and tender but firm vegetables flavored by the rich, aromatic goodness of their mingled juices, we chose mild haddock or cod over more assertive salmon or tuna, which can overpower vegetables. Placing the packets on the lower-middle rack of the oven close to the heat source concentrated the exuded liquid and deepened its flavor. Vegetable selection was important (potatoes failed to cook evenly in the packets, and eggplant turned to mush), as was preparation (carrots and leeks could be added raw but fennel had to be wilted slightly in the microwave). Adding a final flavoring touch a tomato and olive oil salsa or a compound butter contributed to a full-flavored sauce that perfectly complemented the fish.

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