Kids with Pet Squash at Farmers Market
At a farmers market in Kauaii, my kids bonded with these gigantic summer squashes. We thought of calling them pets to get past airport security, but I knew we would find similarly irresistible ones at home. Lately, squash of all shapes and sizes have been hitting our local farmers markets in droves. Whether green, yellow, round, scalloped or crook-necked, summer squashes are a cinch to prepare. Look for glossy, unblemished skins and choose ones that are heavy for their size. They are best stored unwashed in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator, in a plastic bag with air holes. Their edible outer skins, which distinguish them from winter squash varieties, hold up well in almost all types of cooking, but I love them most sautéed, grilled, deep-fried, and steamed as in this wonderfully flavorful fish dish.
If you haven’t tried cooking en papillote, you will be surprised at how much flavor builds inside a simple paper package. Try this recipe with other types of mild, white-flesh fish such as snapper or sea bass, and experiment with whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. A mandoline slicer (see My Top 10 Favorite Kitchen Gadgets) will speed up the preparation to under 10 minutes. I happen to love the rustic presentation of fish and vegetables in their cozy parchment pouch, so don’t even bother to throw away the paper—as it is bound to be licked clean.
Serves 4
1/2 yellow onion, peeled
1 large summer squash or 2 medium zucchini
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh chopped lemon thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, plus additional sprigs for garnish
Parchment paper
Small amount of butter for greasing parchment
2 russet potatoes, peeled
4 (5-ounce) halibut fillets, boneless and skinless
1 (1/2-pint) container cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup white wine
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Using a mandoline if available, slice the onion and squash 1/4-inch thick.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the onions and sauté until lightly golden, about 8 minutes. Add the squash and garlic and continue to sauté until the squash is lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon thyme. Remove from the heat and cool.
4. While the vegetables are cooling, prepare the parchment paper: Using a scissors, cut into four 14-inch squares, then fold in halves and cut a large heart shape out of each. Rub each lightly with butter.
5. Slice the potatoes on the mandoline 1/4-inch thick and divide into 4 portions. Arrange the potato slices on one side of the parchment hearts.
6. Season the fish on both sides with salt and pepper and place on top of each portion of potatoes. Top each fillet with a mound of the sautéed squash and onions. Sprinkle with a few tomato halves and season again with salt and pepper.
7. Sprinkle a tablespoon of wine and a little lemon zest over each portion of fish, then top with a sprig of fresh thyme. Seal up each packet by rolling the edges over.
8. Place the fish packets on a baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes (thinner filets will take less time).
9. Remove the packets from the oven and turn up the heat to broil. Open the parchment with a knife and sprinkle each fish with a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden.
10. Place the pouches on serving plates; serve immediately.
For another great summer fish recipe, try Seared Halibut with Roasted Tomatoes, Anchovy-Stuffed Olives and Capers.
Try these handy charts we found on the CUESA (Center for Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture) 
Sounds really great, but steps 9 and 10 seem to be contradictory. If I slice open the pouch in step 9 how do I perform step 10?
We’ve updated the recipe (Step 10) to reflect your input – Thank you so much!
This is fabulous!!
Hi, I am a Chinese customer,I saw your website, Do you know the vegetable parchment paper? I don’t find it where to buy it. Can you tell me the vegetable parchment paper’s company website? thanks very much!
Hi, Maggie,
I found vegetable parchment paper on Amazon: . http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-.....B001AQQUTI. It’s available at a big discount, too! THanks for the tip. Hope you like the recipe!
Best wishes,
Dana