Vol-au-vent accompanied by mashed potato croquettes (the original name of this dish)

Vol-au-Vent with Mashed Potato Croquettes – A Classic Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Introduction

The kitchen is a magical place where ingredients become stories, and every meal is an opportunity to create memories. Today, I invite you to discover the delightful recipe for vol-au-vent with mashed potato croquettes, a refined combination of flavors and textures. This recipe not only impresses with its elegant appearance but also with its delicious taste. The vol-au-vent, known by its original name, is a pastry filled with a delicious filling, and the mashed potato croquettes are the perfect side dish to complete this culinary feast.

A Brief History of Vol-au-Vent

Throughout history, vol-au-vent has been a symbol of refinement in European cuisine, with deep roots in culinary tradition. This elegant dish has been served at festive meals and has become popular due to its versatility. It can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from meat and fish to vegetables and cheese, easily adapting to each person's preferences.

Ingredients

For the vol-au-vent:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1 kg)
- 1 onion, halved
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 carrot, sliced
- Salt, to taste

For the béchamel sauce:
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely crushed
- 2-3 tablespoons of flour (the amount may vary depending on the number of servings)
- 1 tablespoon of oil or 25 g of margarine suitable for frying
- 250 ml of milk
- 500 ml of broth (obtained from boiling the chicken)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 cans of sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon of curry (optional)

For the mashed potato croquettes:
- 500 g of potatoes
- 50 g of butter
- 100 ml of milk
- Salt, to taste

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by preparing the chicken. Place it in a large pot and add the onion, bay leaves, carrot, and salt. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Let it boil on high heat until it starts to bubble, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This process will ensure that the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.

2. Preparing the Béchamel Sauce:
In a pan, heat the oil or margarine. When hot, add the flour and stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes. This step will help toast the flour, eliminating the raw taste. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Put the pan back on the heat and continue to stir, adding the milk and crushed garlic. Depending on your preferences, add curry for a flavor accent. Let the sauce simmer until it becomes sticky but not too thick.

3. Adding the Mushrooms and Chicken:
Once the chicken has cooled, remove the meat from the bones, chop it into small pieces, and add it to the béchamel sauce along with the mushrooms. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

4. Preparing the Mashed Potatoes:
Peel and chop the potatoes into cubes, then boil them in salted water until soft. Drain and mash them in a bowl. Add the butter and milk, mixing until you achieve a creamy mash. Taste and adjust with salt if necessary.

5. Assembling and Baking the Vol-au-Vent:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Use puff pastry to create the base of the vol-au-vent. Cut circles from the pastry and form a higher wall by cutting a smaller circle in the middle to create a sort of frame. Place the vol-au-vent on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

6. Serving:
Fill each vol-au-vent with the chicken and mushroom mixture, then serve alongside the mashed potato croquettes. This combination will bring a touch of elegance and flavor to your table!

Practical Tips

- Ensure that the chicken is well-cooked, as tender meat will integrate perfectly into the sauce.
- The flour should be toasted enough to eliminate the raw taste, but do not let it color too much.
- If you can't find curry, you can substitute it with other spices like paprika or turmeric for a different flavor.
- The mashed potato croquettes can be made with sweet potatoes for a healthier and more flavorful option.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe for vol-au-vent with mashed potato croquettes offers approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on the chosen ingredients. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and mushrooms add extra nutrients and fiber. Additionally, the béchamel sauce provides calcium from the milk, while the mashed potatoes are rich in healthy carbohydrates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey is an excellent alternative that adds a distinct flavor.

2. How can I make the vol-au-vent faster?
You can use pre-cooked chicken or canned chicken to save time.

3. What other side dishes can I serve with the vol-au-vent?
Fried potatoes, fresh salads, or steamed vegetables are excellent options to accompany this dish.

4. Can I prepare the vol-au-vent in advance?
Sure! Fill the vol-au-vent and keep it in the fridge, then bake it before serving.

Personal Note

This recipe for vol-au-vent with mashed potato croquettes is not just a dish but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. I encourage you to add your own touch, perhaps with a spicy sauce or a fresh vegetable salad on the side. Enjoy and savor every bite!