Summer Vegetable Packets En Papillote

This is an easy and delicious (doesn't everything taste better with bacon?) side dish to serve with grilled meats, poultry or fish.  If you're a vegetarian just omit the bacon—it will taste almost as good! 

Here, the vegetables are served on top of Israeli cous cous.

Here, the vegetables are served on top of Israeli cous cous.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

6 slices bacon

One bunch Swiss Chard, washed and chopped

1/2 large onion, thinly sliced 

1 cup cherry tomatoes

3 cups green beans

3 medium-size zucchini, cut into 1/4" slices

4 sprigs thyme

3 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

1) Light a grill.  In a large bowl, gently toss the vegetables and thyme with the olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.

2) Lay out a large piece of heavy duty tin foil.  Place the bacon slices side by side in the center of the tin foil.  Spread the vegetables over the bacon and place another piece of tin foil over the top, covering the vegetables completely.  Pinch the edges of the foil all around to completely seal in the bacon and vegetable mixture.

3) Grill the vegetable packet, bacon side down, over medium-hot heat until you hear the juices bubble steadily, about 15-20 minutes.  Transfer to a large bowl and open the packet.  Remove the thyme sprigs and serve the vegetables drizzled with some of the juices from the bottom of the packet.  

WINE PAIRING SUGGESTION:

At dinner in the Finger Lakes enjoying the 2013 Ravines Pinot Noir.   Notice the gorgeous light red color.  Click here to find out where to buy it near you.

At dinner in the Finger Lakes enjoying the 2013 Ravines Pinot Noir.   Notice the gorgeous light red color.  Click here to find out where to buy it near you.

Ravines Cellars 2013 Pinot Noir ($25).  This lively, light-bodied Finger Lakes Pinot Noir is a delight to swirl and smell with its aromas of cranberry, plum and ripe red cherry with hints of spice and earth underneath the fruit.  On the palate, it has a beautiful texture with a soft, round mouthfeel.  This is a delicate, well-balanced pinot noir to sip and savor slowly.