Salmon Baked in Foil

This recipe is from Giada De Laurentiis', Everyday Italian. And it is fail proof. I often make this for company, since you can prepare ahead and put it in the oven while you happily chat away with your guest with complete and utter confidence!

Salmon Baked in Foil

Serves 4

3 tomatoes, chopped, or 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice, drained
2 shallots, chopped
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1/2 lemon)
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano or 3/4 teaspoon dried
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or 3/4 teaspoon dried
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 salmon fillets (about 5 ounces each)

In a medium bowl, stir the tomatoes, shallots, 2 tablespoons of oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. In the center of each of four large sheets of parchment paper spoon 1/2 teaspoon of oil, Giada uses aluminum foil, which I may have foolishly forsaken, but you do what you are comfortable with...and frankly the foil is easier.

Place 1 salmon fillet atop each sheet of paper or foil and turn the fish to coat with the oil. Sprinkle the salmon fillets with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Spoon the tomato mixture over the salmon. Fold the sides of the parchment paper or foil over the fish, covering completely, and seal the packets closed. Place the packets on a large, heavy baking sheet (I use a cookie sheet). The salmon packets can be prepared up to this point 6 hours ahead. Refrigerate until ready to bake.

Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. As Giada recommends when using foil, unwrap and plate the fish in the kitchen. It just looks prettier. If using parchment paper, a lovely traditional method, you can plate as is, just cut the top carefully so as not to burn yourself, using kitchen shears.

*I fiddle a bit with this recipe, which is wonderful on it's own, but I often add green beans or asparagus to the packet of fish, which steams them beautifully along with the salmon.

doctoroz