Savory cake

Savory Cheese and Chicken Loaf: A Delicious Treat for Special Moments

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

Discover the savory recipe for a cheese and chicken loaf, a perfect choice for any occasion, from parties with friends to festive family meals. This loaf is not just a culinary delight, but also a clever way to combine simple ingredients into a delicious dish. Whether served warm or cold, this appetizer will bring a smile to your guests' faces.

The history of the savory loaf is captivating; over time, various cultures have created similar dishes, using available ingredients to achieve a tasty and satisfying result. This loaf is a modern reinterpretation of these traditions, harmoniously integrating cheeses, smoked meats, and vegetables.

Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 200 ml milk
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 150 g telemea cheese (cottage cheese or goat cheese can be excellent alternatives)
- 80 g cheese (opt for a matured cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 200 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- 100 g green olives (slice thinly)
- 100 g black olives (similarly, thin slices are ideal)
- 100 g mushrooms (you can use fresh or canned mushrooms)
- 1 pickled pepper (can be replaced with fresh bell pepper)
- 300 g smoked chicken breast (or turkey, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all your ingredients. Grate the telemea and cheese, slice the olives thinly, chop the pickled pepper into small cubes, and cut the chicken breast into small pieces. If using fresh mushrooms, clean and slice them.

2. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, crack the 6 eggs and beat them with a mixer on medium speed until they become slightly frothy. This step is crucial for achieving an airy texture in the loaf.

3. Add the liquid ingredients: Add the milk and mix well. Then, gradually incorporate the oil, continuing to mix until the composition becomes homogeneous.

4. Incorporating the solid ingredients: Sift the flour over the egg mixture and add the baking powder. Gently mix with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed until there are no lumps. It is important not to overmix to avoid a dense loaf.

5. Add the filling ingredients: Incorporate the telemea, cheese, olives, mushrooms, pickled pepper, and smoked chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix carefully to avoid crushing the ingredients.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Take a loaf pan (approximately 25 cm long) and line it with baking paper or grease it with oil and sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking.

7. Baking: Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and let it bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready).

8. Cooling and serving: After the loaf is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. It can be served warm, but is just as delicious cold, making it perfect for a quick breakfast or a snack between meals.

Serving suggestions: You can serve the savory loaf with a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce with dill, adding a refreshing contrast. I also recommend pairing it with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade.

Possible variations: Instead of smoked chicken breast, you can use sausages or fried vegetables for a vegetarian option. Additionally, by replacing the cheese with a lactose-free variant, you can adapt the recipe for those with lactose intolerance.

Nutritional benefits: This savory loaf is rich in protein due to the eggs and chicken breast, while the cheeses provide calcium and essential vitamins. Olives contribute healthy fats, and mushrooms, pickled pepper, and other vegetables are excellent sources of fiber.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Of course! You can experiment with feta cheese or mozzarella for a different texture.

2. Is the loaf good the next day?
Yes, usually the loaf becomes even tastier the next day when the flavors develop.

3. How can I store the loaf?
You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Zucchini or fresh spinach would be excellent additions.

I encourage you to try this savory loaf recipe and enjoy its delicious flavors. Cooking is an art that brings us together, and every dish tells a story. So, enjoy every step and let your creativity shine in the kitchen. Bon appétit!