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Sole en Papillote with Tomatoes and Olives

This elegant sole en papillote is a light and sophisticated high-protein dish that captures the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean. By steaming the fish inside a parchment paper parcel, the delicate fillets remain incredibly moist while absorbing the aromatic essence of garlic, thyme and white wine. The addition of juicy cherry tomatoes, salty capers and rich Kalamata olives creates a delicious savoury sauce right inside the packet, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Ideal for a healthy midweek meal or a relaxed dinner party, this cooking method is remarkably simple and requires very little clean-up. Serving the fish in its individual paper parcel makes for a beautiful presentation at the table, especially when paired with crunchy, garlic-rubbed ciabatta to soak up the juices. It is a nutritious, low-effort recipe that feels like a treat.

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Ingredients for Sole en Papillote with Tomatoes and Olives

  • Parchment paper

  • 4 sole fillets (170g each)

  • 1 tablespoon plus 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided

  • 3 cloves garlic, 2 thinly sliced, 1 halved

  • 1/8 teaspoons red pepper flakes

  • 150g grape tomatoes, halved

  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained

  • 8 large, pitted kalamata olives, quartered

  • 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 8 teaspoons dry white wine

  • 4 teaspoons unsalted butter

  • 8 fresh thyme sprigs

  • 4 slices (1/2-inch thick) ciabatta bread

Heat oven to 232°C. Fold four 15-inch-square pieces of parchment in half. Starting at fold of each piece, draw half a large heart shape. Cut along lines; open. Place 1 fish fillet next to crease on each piece of parchment. In a small skillet, warm 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Sauté sliced garlic and pepper flakes until garlic turns golden, 1 minute. Remove skillet from heat; stir in tomatoes, capers and olives. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper. Divide tomato mixture among fish. Top each fillet with 2 teaspoons wine, 1 teaspoon butter and 2 thyme sprigs. Fold other half of parchment over fish. Starting at top of each parchment half-heart, make small, tight, overlapping folds along outside edge to seal packet; twist tail ends tightly to seal completely. Place packets on a large rimmed baking sheet; roast 8 minutes. Grill or toast ciabatta until golden; rub with garlic clove halves and brush with remaining 20ml oil. Transfer packets to plates. Slit tops with a knife; gently open. Serve 1 slice ciabatta with each packet.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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