Braised endives with mushrooms and chicken breast

Braised endives with mushrooms and chicken breast: A delicious and healthy recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a lovingly cooked meal that brings back the nostalgia of childhood flavors? This recipe for braised endives with mushrooms and chicken breast is exactly what you need to indulge your taste buds and evoke beautiful memories. Inspired by culinary traditions, this dish combines delicate flavors and rich textures, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Necessary ingredients:

- 3 fresh endives (about 500 g)
- 1 chicken breast (about 300 g)
- 5-6 large champignon mushrooms
- 2 bell peppers (red or green, as preferred)
- 1 lemon (for juice)
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1 aromatic herb (parsley, parsnip, slice of celery)
- 30 ml oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 2 teaspoons stock base (chicken, mushroom)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 150-200 ml low-fat sour cream (12%) or yogurt
- A few leaves of green salad (lamb's lettuce)
- 4-5 olives
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- Dill (optional)
- Salt, pepper, and spices for grilling

A few words about endives:

Endives are vegetables with a slightly bitter flavor but a delicate and crunchy taste. In the past, they were very popular due to their versatility, as they could be eaten both raw in salads and cooked. The secret to a successful dish is to avoid exposing the endives to water, as this can make them bitter. Let's get started!

Step by step preparation and cooking of braised endives:

1. Preparing the chicken breast: In a large pot, add 2 liters of cold water and place the chicken breast along with the onion, carrot, aromatic herb (parsley, parsnip, or celery), and a teaspoon of stock base. Season with a little salt to taste. Let it simmer on low heat, covered, for 30 minutes. Remember, you can use the remaining broth to make a delicious soup!

2. Preparing the endives: While the chicken is boiling, let’s take care of the endives. Use a damp cloth to clean each endive without submerging them in water. Cut them in half and remove the core. Squeeze juice from half a lemon over them and sprinkle a pinch of salt. This process will help reduce bitterness.

3. Cooking the endives: In a non-stick pan, add butter (about the size of a walnut) and heat it on low. Place the endive halves cut side down and sauté for 4-5 minutes on each side until they become slightly soft. Add the mushroom slices and bell peppers (seeded) on top of the endives, then sprinkle with the stock base. Cover the pan with a lid and let them braise on low heat for 7-8 minutes.

4. Preparing the salad: Meanwhile, prepare a platter with green salad. For the dressing, mix in a bowl olive oil, vinegar, salt, half a teaspoon of sugar, and your favorite spices. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

5. Sweet and sour spicy sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mustard, egg yolk, salt, pepper, and half a teaspoon of sugar. Whisk with a pear-shaped whisk, gradually adding the oil. Then, strain the lemon juice and, if desired, a little vinegar, followed by the sour cream or yogurt for a creamy texture.

6. Finishing the dish: Remove the chicken breast from the pot, discard the skin and bone, then cut it into cubes or thin strips. On the salad platter, arrange the endives in a radial shape or as a spike, placing the mushroom and bell pepper slices on top. Add the chicken breast beside and drizzle with the remaining butter from the pan. Complete with the sweet and sour sauce, leaving the rest in a sauce boat.

7. Garnish and serve: Decorate the platter with fresh herbs, strips of roasted pepper, thin slices of pickled cucumber, and boiled carrot. Don’t forget the olives for an extra flavor boost! Enjoy your meal!

Useful tips:

- If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken breast with tofu or tempeh.
- Add some roasted nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Experiment with different types of mushrooms or vegetables depending on the season.
- Make sure the butter is well melted before adding the endives to prevent sticking.

Nutritional information (approx. per serving):

- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of meat? Of course! This recipe can also be adapted with turkey or even fish, such as salmon.
2. What side dish goes well with this dish? Rice or mashed potatoes are excellent options to complement the meal.
3. How can I store leftovers? You can keep the dish refrigerated for 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.

This recipe for braised endives with mushrooms and chicken breast is perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends. Enjoy every bite and delight in the delicious flavors and memories created around the table!