Chicken skewers with ham, beetroot soufflé, and arugula sauce

Captivating Recipe for Chicken Sticks with Ham, Red Beet Souffle, and Arugula Sauce

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I invite you to discover a refined and appetizing recipe, perfect for an elegant dinner or to impress your guests. We will prepare aromatic chicken sticks wrapped in ham, accompanied by a delicate red beet souffle and a vibrant arugula sauce. Let's get started!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Chicken Sticks with Ham:
- 250 g chicken fillet
- 8 slices of speck (approximately 80 g)
- Salt, to taste
- White pepper, to taste

Red Beet Souffle:
- 260 g red beet (peeled)
- 5-6 cloves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 carrot
- 2 eggs
- 40 g flour
- Salt, to taste

Arugula Sauce:
- 60 g arugula
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Step by Step:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Sticks
1. Start by cutting the chicken fillet into 4 long, thin pieces. These will become delicious sticks!
2. Season each piece with salt and white pepper to enhance the meat's flavor.
3. Lay two slices of speck side by side, lengthwise, and wrap each chicken stick with two slices of speck. This will not only add flavor but will keep the meat tender during baking.

Step 2: Baking the Chicken Sticks
4. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
5. Grease a ceramic dish with a little olive oil and place the chicken sticks in the dish.
6. Put the dish in the oven and let the sticks brown for about 15-20 minutes, until the speck becomes crispy.

Step 3: Preparing the Red Beet Souffle
7. Meanwhile, place the red beet in a pot of water, add the cloves and balsamic vinegar. Boil the beet for 25 minutes, or until it becomes soft.
8. After boiling, drain the beet and remove the cloves. Mash the beet into a fine puree.
9. In a bowl, add the beet puree, the two eggs, and mix well for 2 minutes.
10. Add salt and flour, mixing until you obtain a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Preparing the Ramekins
11. Peel the carrot and cut it into thin sticks, the size of the ramekins.
12. Grease two ramekins with a little oil (you can also add parchment paper in one to facilitate the souffle's removal).
13. Place the carrot sticks in the ramekins, leaving small spaces between them, then pour the beet puree on top.
14. Place the ramekins in the preheated oven at 180°C and let them bake for 20-25 minutes, until they become fluffy.

Step 5: Preparing the Arugula Sauce
15. In a tall bowl, add the arugula, olive oil, wine vinegar, the peeled garlic clove, and Dijon mustard.
16. Use an immersion blender to blend all the ingredients until you obtain a smooth sauce. You can adjust the taste with salt and pepper, to your liking.

Serving
Once all elements are ready, serve the chicken sticks alongside the red beet souffle, decorating the plate with the arugula sauce. You can add a few fresh arugula leaves for a vibrant look.

Serving Suggestions
This sophisticated recipe pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing cocktail. You can accompany the dish with a raw vegetable salad or mashed potatoes for a complete menu.

Nutritional Benefits
Chicken sticks are an excellent source of lean protein, while red beet is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Arugula is a wonderful ingredient, packed with nutrients that help strengthen the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another type of meat? Sure, you can replace the chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- What if I don't have speck? You can use bacon or another smoked ham to achieve a similar taste.
- Can the beet souffle be made in advance? Yes, you can prepare the souffle a day ahead and reheat it in the oven before serving.

Variations
If you want to experiment, you can add goat cheese to the beet puree for a more intense flavor or enrich the arugula sauce with some crushed nuts for extra crunch.

In conclusion, this recipe for chicken sticks with ham, red beet souffle, and arugula sauce is not only delicious but also a visual delight. Get inspired by this recipe and feel free to put your personal touch on it! Enjoy your meal!