Chicken roll stuffed with spinach

Chicken roll filled with spinach – A colorful and flavorful spring recipe

This recipe for chicken roll filled with spinach is perfect for bringing a touch of spring to your plate, making it ideal for festive meals or moments spent with loved ones. The vibrant color of the fresh ingredients and the delicate aroma of the oven-baked chicken make this roll a true delight. Moreover, the recipe is easy to make, even for those with little experience in the kitchen. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

- 1 large chicken breast (boneless)
- 3 sheets of pastry
- 75 g round rice
- 200 g fresh spinach leaves
- 1 red onion
- 3 red peppers
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root
- Spices (to taste: pepper, sweet paprika, dill)
- Salt
- Olive oil (a few tablespoons)
- 100 ml dry white wine
- 1 egg white
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)

A brief story about the roll

The chicken roll is a dish that has gained popularity due to its versatility. It can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from fresh vegetables to savory cheeses. This particular recipe combines the freshness of spinach and the sweetness of peppers, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It is an excellent choice for spring meals, symbolizing rebirth and the bounty of the season.

Step by step: Preparing the roll

1. Preparing the chicken breast
- Start by washing and thoroughly drying the chicken breast. Use a sharp knife to cut the breast into a large piece as thin as possible. Place it between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to flatten it. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and make rolling easier.
- Season the meat with salt and spices to enhance its flavor.

2. Preparing the filling
- Boil the rice in salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it well and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to fluff up.
- In a pot, boil the spinach leaves for about 2-3 minutes until they become tender. Drain them well and then sauté them in a drop of olive oil along with the finely chopped onion. Season with salt and spices to taste.
- Peel the carrot and parsley root, then grate them finely. Cut the pepper into strips and chop it. Sauté all these vegetables in a splash of olive oil until they become slightly soft, then season with salt and spices.

3. Assembling the roll
- Place the chicken breast on a sheet of pastry. Evenly sprinkle the first layer of rice, followed by the sautéed spinach layer, and finally the layer of sautéed vegetables.
- Gently roll the pastry sheet, making sure to keep the filling inside. Use it to form a compact roll, ensuring the edges are well sealed.

4. Baking the roll
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a loaf pan, pour a little olive oil and dry white wine, then carefully place the roll.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This step will help keep the juices in the roll, ensuring it does not dry out.
- After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil, brush the roll with beaten egg white, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Leave it in the oven for another 5 minutes to achieve a golden crust.

5. Serving
- Once the roll is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into appropriately thick pieces and serve warm. You can also add a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce on the side.

Useful tips:

- Choosing ingredients: Choose fresh spinach leaves, as they have a more intense flavor than frozen ones. You can also experiment with other spring vegetables, such as zucchini or asparagus.
- Chicken flavor: If you want a more intense chicken flavor, you can marinate the meat a few hours before using olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
- Variations: Replace the rice with quinoa or couscous for a healthier option. You can also add feta or mozzarella cheese to the filling for extra creaminess.
- Serving: This roll pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade. You can also accompany the dish with a simple green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad.

Nutritional information

This chicken roll filled with spinach is not only delicious but also nutritious. The chicken provides essential proteins, while the fresh vegetables bring an important supply of vitamins and fiber. Approximately, a serving can contain around 350-400 calories, depending on the added ingredients and quantity.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of meat?
- Yes, you can replace the chicken breast with turkey, duck, or even pork, adjusting the cooking time according to the type of meat chosen.

2. Can it be prepared in advance?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the roll a day in advance, and the next day bake it. It is ideal to let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator.

3. How can I make the roll less fatty?
- Use olive oil only to sauté the vegetables and opt for a smaller amount of oil when assembling. You can reduce the sesame seeds or eliminate them completely.

4. Can the leftovers be frozen?
- Yes, the roll can be frozen. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. When defrosting, it is recommended to heat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

This dish represents more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that brings together the flavors and colors of spring. Enjoy cooking and savoring this beautiful and tasty roll!