Turkey rolls with smoked ham in bechamel sauce
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4
Welcome to our kitchen, where today we will indulge in a delicious and comforting recipe: turkey rolls with smoked ham, dressed in a creamy bechamel sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, bringing a touch of elegance to every plate. Let’s embark on the preparation of this delicacy!
A bit of history
The bechamel sauce, also known as white sauce, is one of the three basic sauces of classical cuisine. Used as a base for many dishes, it has a rich history and is essential in preparing various pies, lasagna, or gratin dishes. Combined with lean meat, such as turkey breast, it becomes a source of healthy protein, perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 500 g turkey breast (thinly sliced)
- 200 g smoked ham (thin slices)
- 350 ml milk (preferably whole)
- 100 g butter (for sauce and greasing)
- 2 tablespoons of white flour
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Garlic powder (a pinch)
- Dried thyme (to taste)
- 100 g cheese (grated, for decoration)
Step by step: Preparing the turkey rolls
1. Preparing the meat
Start by pounding the turkey breast slices with a meat mallet until they become thin and even. This technique will not only help tenderize the meat but also allow for even cooking.
2. Seasoning
Sprinkle dried thyme over each piece of turkey. Thyme adds a delicious and complementary aroma to the meat, enhancing the final flavor of the dish.
3. Filling the rolls
On each turkey slice, place a slice of smoked ham. Carefully roll the meat, ensuring the filling is well wrapped. Make sure the rolls are tight, then secure them with a toothpick to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
4. Preparing the bechamel sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 100 g of butter over medium heat. Add the two tablespoons of white flour, constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden. This is the start of a perfect bechamel sauce!
Gradually add the warm milk, continuing to stir to achieve a smooth consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Let the sauce simmer on low heat until it thickens.
5. Assembling the dish
Grease a baking dish with the remaining butter. Place the turkey rolls in the dish and pour the bechamel sauce evenly over them. This sauce will create a delicious crust during baking.
6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and leave it for 45-50 minutes or until the rolls become golden and crispy on top. The aroma that will fill the kitchen will make you want to taste it immediately!
7. Finishing and serving
Once the rolls are ready, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Before serving, grate cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly before plating. These rolls are delicious both warm and at room temperature, making them ideal for lunch or dinner.
Serving suggestions
These turkey rolls with smoked ham pair wonderfully with a side of sautéed vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Additionally, a fresh green salad with lemon dressing will provide a pleasant contrast and a touch of freshness.
Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace the smoked ham with mozzarella cheese or slices of prosciutto for a different flavor. Additionally, adding some slices of mushrooms or spinach inside the rolls will bring extra nutrients and transform the dish into a true delicacy.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Of course! Chicken breast is an excellent alternative and offers a similar taste.
2. What can I use instead of bechamel sauce?
If you want to save time, a cream sauce or a ready-made cheese sauce can be a quick solution.
3. Is this recipe suitable for children?
Absolutely! This recipe is not only nutritious but also tasty, and the creamy sauce will appeal to little ones.
Nutritional benefits
This turkey roll recipe is rich in protein due to the turkey meat, which is an excellent source of essential nutrients for the body. The bechamel sauce provides calcium from milk, and the combination of ingredients ensures a balanced intake of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
I hope this recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and quickly becomes a family favorite! Experiment and feel free to share your own variations. Enjoy your meal!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4
Welcome to our kitchen, where today we will indulge in a delicious and comforting recipe: turkey rolls with smoked ham, dressed in a creamy bechamel sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, bringing a touch of elegance to every plate. Let’s embark on the preparation of this delicacy!
A bit of history
The bechamel sauce, also known as white sauce, is one of the three basic sauces of classical cuisine. Used as a base for many dishes, it has a rich history and is essential in preparing various pies, lasagna, or gratin dishes. Combined with lean meat, such as turkey breast, it becomes a source of healthy protein, perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 500 g turkey breast (thinly sliced)
- 200 g smoked ham (thin slices)
- 350 ml milk (preferably whole)
- 100 g butter (for sauce and greasing)
- 2 tablespoons of white flour
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Garlic powder (a pinch)
- Dried thyme (to taste)
- 100 g cheese (grated, for decoration)
Step by step: Preparing the turkey rolls
1. Preparing the meat
Start by pounding the turkey breast slices with a meat mallet until they become thin and even. This technique will not only help tenderize the meat but also allow for even cooking.
2. Seasoning
Sprinkle dried thyme over each piece of turkey. Thyme adds a delicious and complementary aroma to the meat, enhancing the final flavor of the dish.
3. Filling the rolls
On each turkey slice, place a slice of smoked ham. Carefully roll the meat, ensuring the filling is well wrapped. Make sure the rolls are tight, then secure them with a toothpick to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
4. Preparing the bechamel sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 100 g of butter over medium heat. Add the two tablespoons of white flour, constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden. This is the start of a perfect bechamel sauce!
Gradually add the warm milk, continuing to stir to achieve a smooth consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Let the sauce simmer on low heat until it thickens.
5. Assembling the dish
Grease a baking dish with the remaining butter. Place the turkey rolls in the dish and pour the bechamel sauce evenly over them. This sauce will create a delicious crust during baking.
6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and leave it for 45-50 minutes or until the rolls become golden and crispy on top. The aroma that will fill the kitchen will make you want to taste it immediately!
7. Finishing and serving
Once the rolls are ready, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Before serving, grate cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly before plating. These rolls are delicious both warm and at room temperature, making them ideal for lunch or dinner.
Serving suggestions
These turkey rolls with smoked ham pair wonderfully with a side of sautéed vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Additionally, a fresh green salad with lemon dressing will provide a pleasant contrast and a touch of freshness.
Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace the smoked ham with mozzarella cheese or slices of prosciutto for a different flavor. Additionally, adding some slices of mushrooms or spinach inside the rolls will bring extra nutrients and transform the dish into a true delicacy.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Of course! Chicken breast is an excellent alternative and offers a similar taste.
2. What can I use instead of bechamel sauce?
If you want to save time, a cream sauce or a ready-made cheese sauce can be a quick solution.
3. Is this recipe suitable for children?
Absolutely! This recipe is not only nutritious but also tasty, and the creamy sauce will appeal to little ones.
Nutritional benefits
This turkey roll recipe is rich in protein due to the turkey meat, which is an excellent source of essential nutrients for the body. The bechamel sauce provides calcium from milk, and the combination of ingredients ensures a balanced intake of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
I hope this recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and quickly becomes a family favorite! Experiment and feel free to share your own variations. Enjoy your meal!