Best Seafood Al Cartoccio Recipes

HALIBUT IN CARTOCCIO

Steps:

• Fold 4 (9 by 13-inch) pieces of parchment paper in half and starting at the top of the fold, cut a large half circle from the paper. When the fold is opened it should be a full circle. It is okay if it is not a perfect circle-a heart shape is even better. Reserve.
• In a bowl combine the zucchini, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts and leeks. Toss generously with olive oil and season with the thyme leaves and salt. Oil and salt the halibut as well.
• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
• Open the parchment paper circles (or hearts) and brush the paper with olive oil leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
• Divide the seasoned vegetables between the 4 papers, placing them in the center just above the crease. Lay the fish fillets on top of the vegetables and place a lemon slice on top of each fish fillet. Fold the paper over the fish. Working from 1 end of the parchment to the other fold the bottom of the paper over the top to crease and seal the packets. The closure needs to be very secure so the steam will not escape during the cooking process. Before the package is completely sealed, carefully add 1/2 cup wine in each then seal. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes.
• Remove the fish from the oven, place on serving dishes and serve immediately. Have each diner slice open their own parchment package so they can get the full effect of the burst of aromatic steam that will be released from the package.

OVEN SEAFOOD BAKE (PESCE AL CARTOCCIO)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Mix together butter, garlic, lemon zest and juice.
• Season halibut with salt and pepper. Divide half of the butter mixture between the 2 steaks and spread it over one side.
• Sprinkle flour into large oven roasting bag (about 12 by 18 inch size) and shake bag to dust inside with flour. Place bag in a 10 by 15-inch baking pan, about 2 inches deep. Place halibut steaks side by side, buttered side down, in the bag.
• Arrange shrimp on top of fish, then top with clams and dot with remaining butter.
• Seal bag with twist tie according to manufacturer's instructions, and cut 4 to 6 small slits in top.
• Place in preheated oven and bake 30 to 40 minutes or until clams have opened.
• Slash top of bag just enough to remove food without losing juices. With slotted spoon, lift out clams and set aside. With slotted spatula, lift out fish and shrimp and place on a warm serving platter and surround with clams; keep warm.
• Pour cooking liquid into a wide pan, add cream and cook over high heat until liquid is reduced to about 3/4 cup.
• Garnish fish with parsley and pass sauce to pour over each serving.

SPAGHETTI AL CARTOCCIO - (SPAG COOKED IN A BAG)

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200°C.
• To make the bags, take two 50cm square sheets of foil, lay a same size square of baking paper over each one and fold in half. Scrunch up the sides to form an open pouch, brush the insides with a little oil.
• Heat the rest of the oil in a pan and fry the garlic for 1 minute on medium.
• Add tomatoes, wine oregano, chili, sugar, anchovies, capers and olives and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
• Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water until only just al dente.
• Drain, toss with the sauce, and divide between the 2 bags. Add the prawns and clams and fold and scrunch the tops to make a tight seal.
• Put them on a tray and bake for 15 minutes.
• To serve, tip the bag contents onto a plate and scatter with the parsley and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.