Imagine creating a restaurant-worthy vegetable dish in just 25 minutes with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor! Vegetables en Papillote, a classic French cooking technique, gets a modern twist with the Instant Pot, transforming simple vegetables into a mouthwatering, steam-infused delicacy that will make your taste buds dance. This technique locks in nutrients, intensifies flavors, and creates a stunning presentation that will impress your family and dinner guests alike.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and slicing zucchini into thin rounds, bell pepper into strips, and halving cherry tomatoes.
- Cut four large pieces of parchment paper or aluminum foil into heart-shaped or rectangular sheets, approximately 12 inches wide.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Place each sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface and divide vegetables evenly among the sheets, keeping them in the center of the paper.
- Drizzle the prepared seasoning mixture over the vegetables, ensuring even distribution.
- Fold the parchment paper edges to create sealed packets, crimping the edges tightly to prevent steam from escaping.
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot inner pot and place the trivet inside.
- Carefully arrange the vegetable packets on the trivet, stacking if necessary.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 3-4 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of pressure.
- Carefully open packets, allowing steam to escape, and transfer vegetables to serving plates.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Choose uniform vegetable sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't overcrowd the parchment packets - leave some room for steam circulation.
- Use high-quality, fresh vegetables for the best flavor and nutritional value.
- Experiment with different herb and seasoning combinations to customize your dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before sealing the packets.
- Always use parchment paper or aluminum foil that's rated for high temperatures.
- Be cautious when opening packets to avoid steam burns - open away from your face.
- Serve immediately after cooking to preserve the vegetables' vibrant colors and textures.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
