One Pot Meals... Intro to En Papillote

One pot meals offer an endless variety of ways to enjoy various combinations, all while saving loads of time. And the basic En Papillote preparation is just as versatile as it is as easy. In concept, it's basically the same as the oven roasting method, only... this style requires a little forethought as to what goes into the pouch since this will determine the overall cooking time.

Things like fish, mushrooms, asparagus, and thinly sliced veggies will cook faster than something like chicken, sliced/wedged potatoes, etc. You could also use this method to prepare items like thinly sliced meats, or different vegetarian combinations.

You could use this method to meal plan for a few days and toss a few pouches in the fridge, seasoned and all set to be cooked. To be practical though, this method, is best suited for smaller portions or 1 to 2 servings per pouch.

The term (En Papillote) basically means to be cooked in paper, or a pouch. The process starts by creating a heart shaped pouch or an envelope of sorts using parchment paper or foil.

Then, by folding it over and leaving a “flap”, add your vegetable and protein to it and fold the flap back over the top so that it traps in the moisture. Crimp the edges so that your pouch cooks without spilling too much of the juices. And that's really it!

Place the pouch in the oven and cook it for about 10-12 minutes depending on your protein, and you’re done! Again, these are great for meal planning, quick oven cooking, backyard grilling or even campfire cooking.

Pro Tip: To avoid completely steaming everything into one a mush, punch a few holes into your pouch so that some of the steam can escape and some of the liquids can drain while the food cooks. Because of the nature of the En Papillote cooking process, potatoes and hearty vegetables are generally the best compliments for this style of cooking.

You'll also want to avoid ingredients like dried beans, whole grains, or thick/dense vegetables with this method as many of these may require more time and moisture than the pouch can afford. But you could always accompany your En Papillote with a fresh component such as a side salad to add a little brightness to the lineup. (And of course, you'll find great tips for those around the site as well.)

All things considered, the “One Pot Meal” style in general, is fantastic for meal planning whether for a large family or a busy professional whose constantly on the go. To get you started with a few ideas, here are some combinations that are fairly easy to assemble and manage. So go ahead, give it a shot! Make it your own with a twist and add your culinary signature to the “One Pot” meal style of your choice.

Seasoned Red Potatoes w/ Hoisin Chicken Thighs

Lemon Pepper Halibut w/Garlic Butter Carrots

Fajita Sirloin and Shrimp, w/ Mushrooms, Peppers & Onions