Serves 4
This is a very simple technique that could be used for any meaty fish that becomes infused with the flavors of tomato, capers, garlic, and lemon. This can be done in the regular or wood fired oven, on a grill or nestled right down in the dying coals of a grill or campfire. The term hobo packs goes back to the Great Depression when those knights of the road “hobos” cooked a whole meal in a single container, usually a coffee can over an open fire. I’m especially fond of Black Cod (also known as Sablefish). It is caught from Northern California up to Alaska. Its great virtue is that you really can’t overcook it because of its high fat content
4 12-inch square pieces of heavy duty aluminum foil
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 (5-oz) fillets skinned and boned black cod
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
8 thin lemon slices (from 1 medium lemon)
8 sprigs fresh thyme
2 medium garlic cloves, peeled and very thinly sliced
12 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons drained capers
3 tablespoons roughly chopped basil or parsley or a combination
Lay the foil sheets out in a single layer and brush with1 tablespoon olive oil.
Pat fish dry and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange fillets, skin sides down, on the bottom half of each foil and slide 1 lemon slice under and the other on top of each fillet. Arrange 2 thyme sprigs on top of each fillet.
Combine the garlic, tomatoes, capers and basil is a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the tomato mixture over fish then fold foil over fish tenting it slightly and crimp edges together tightly to firmly seal. Cook on covered grill or in oven or coals until fish is just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes (depending on thickness of fish). Though it’s a little tricky to check you can remove one packet and carefully open, taking care not to lose any of the wonderful juices and check for doneness of fish. Remember that it will continue to cook off heat as it sits.
Serve by carefully opening each pack to reserve juices, discarding thyme before eating.
