Buns with mushrooms and chicken

Delicious Mushroom and Chicken Pastries: A Homemade Treat

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 12 pastries

Introduction

Enjoy a recipe that combines the flavor of mushrooms with the tenderness of chicken and the refinement of Camembert cheese. These mushroom and chicken pastries are perfect for a family meal or a party with friends. Although it may seem challenging to assemble them, the final result is worth every minute invested. We promise a culinary experience full of flavors and textures that will delight your senses!

A Bit of History

Since ancient times, dough has been used in various forms to wrap savory dishes. These pastries are a modern reinterpretation of a classic concept, with various fillings, but with a wonderful twist brought by Camembert cheese. This creamy cheese adds a touch of elegance and an unmistakable taste, transforming a simple recipe into a true feast.

Ingredients

To prepare 12 pastries, you will need the following ingredients:

1. 700 g chicken breast (cut into cubes)
2. 210 g canned mushrooms (400 g can before draining liquid)
3. 150 ml dry white wine
4. 125 g Camembert cheese (cut into small cubes)
5. 1 medium onion (chopped)
6. 1.6 kg puff pastry (two packages of 800 g each)
7. A bunch of fresh chopped parsley
8. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
9. Salt and pepper (to taste)
10. 1 beaten egg (for brushing)
11. 2-3 tablespoons sesame seeds (for decoration)

Ingredient Tips

- Chicken Breast: Choose fresh or frozen chicken breast. If using frozen chicken, ensure it is fully thawed before cooking.
- Mushrooms: You can use fresh mushrooms if you prefer, but canned ones are just as tasty and save time.
- Camembert Cheese: This is essential for a creamy taste. If you want to experiment, you can try Brie cheese or even a mix of feta and ricotta for a different note.
- Puff Pastry: It’s best to use high-quality puff pastry for the best results.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Thawing the Dough: Remove the puff pastry from the freezer a few hours before starting. Let it thaw slowly at room temperature. This will ensure even rolling and a perfect texture.

2. Preparing the Chicken: In a medium pot, add the chicken breast cubes, white wine, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat. Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid foam formation.

3. Cooking the Mushrooms: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and drained mushrooms. Cook for about 10 minutes until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms begin to brown.

4. Mixing the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, sautéed mushrooms, onion, chopped parsley, and Camembert cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Cutting the Dough: Using a cup with a diameter of about 12 cm, cut out 24 circles from the puff pastry. You can re-roll the remaining dough between two sheets of parchment paper to get more circles without wasting anything.

6. Filling the Pastries: Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Brush the edges of each dough circle with beaten egg. In the center of each circle, add one and a half tablespoons of the prepared filling. Cover with another dough circle and seal the edges with a fork, pressing firmly to ensure they do not come apart.

7. Baking the Pastries: Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Reduce the oven temperature to 200 degrees Celsius and bake the pastries for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy.

8. Cooling and Serving: After baking, let the pastries cool on a wire rack. They can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad for a light yet delicious lunch.

Nutritional Benefits

These pastries are rich in protein due to the chicken and cheese, while the mushrooms provide essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the puff pastry offers a crispy texture, but it’s important to consume in moderation considering its calorie content. A serving of two pastries contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! You can replace chicken with turkey or even pork.
- Can I prepare the filling in advance? Yes, the filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, and the assembled pastries can be frozen and baked later.
- What drinks can I pair with these pastries? A dry white wine or a fresh lemonade pairs perfectly with these delicious pastries.

Possible Variations

- Instead of canned mushrooms, you can use fresh mushrooms sautéed with a bit of butter and garlic for an extra flavor boost.
- Add spices like paprika or herbs de Provence to the filling for a touch of originality.

Personal Note

For an extra touch of refinement, I suggest serving these pastries with a garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki sauce. This will add a fresh note and perfectly complement the rich flavors of the filling.

Savor every bite of these mushroom and chicken pastries and enjoy the moments spent with loved ones! Bon appétit!