Chicken breast pastrama

Chicken Breast Pastrama: A Delicious Recipe for Cooking at Home

Chicken breast pastrama is an excellent choice for a tasty, healthy, and versatile meal. This recipe is perfect not only for the little ones' lunchboxes but also for adults who want to enjoy a delicious meal. With a mix of spices and careful marination, the final result will be an extremely flavorful pastrama with a slight spicy note. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marination time: 24 hours
Baking time: 2 hours
Total: 26 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 1 boneless chicken breast (approximately 600-800 g)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 3-4 allspice berries
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Ground pepper, to taste
- 300 ml water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon hot paprika
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced

A Bit of History

Pastrama is a traditional dish originating from various corners of the world, where meat was preserved through salting and seasoning. Over time, recipes have adapted, but the essence remains the same: well-seasoned meat that offers both flavor and a means of preservation. In our recipe, the chicken breast becomes the star, transforming into a perfect delicacy for any meal.

Preparing Chicken Pastrama

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken Breast

1. Start by cutting the chicken breast in half, making it easier to marinate and cook. If you prefer, you can use a whole breast, but ensure it's properly deboned.
2. Prepare the marinade by combining all the ingredients in a large bowl: bay leaves, allspice, salt, pepper, water, soy sauce, sugar, sweet and hot paprika, and the sliced garlic.
3. Place the chicken breast in the marinade, ensuring it is well covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for 24 hours. This step is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in an extremely tasty pastrama.

Step 2: Baking in the Oven

1. After the chicken breast has marinated, remove it from the fridge and tie it well with kitchen twine. This will help maintain its shape and prevent the meat from drying out during cooking.
2. Preheat the oven to 150°C (medium heat). Place the chicken breast in a baking dish and add a bit of the remaining marinade.
3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes to allow the meat to cook evenly and not dry out.
4. After the first 30 minutes, remove the foil and occasionally baste the chicken breast with the sauce from the dish to keep it moist and enhance the flavor. Turn it several times to ensure it browns evenly.

Step 3: Serving

1. After 2 hours, the chicken breast should be fully cooked and aromatic. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step is important to allow the juices to redistribute in the meat, making it juicier.
2. Slice the pastrama thinly and serve it cold, alongside a preferred sauce, such as a garlic yogurt sauce or a spicy mayonnaise. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Practical Tips

- Marinade: Experiment with different spices and herbs in the marinade, such as rosemary or thyme, to give it a personalized touch.
- Storage: Chicken pastrama can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for sandwiches or salads.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare it in advance, you can freeze the pastrama. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using turkey breast, keeping in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.

2. What sauces pair best with chicken pastrama?
Yogurt-based sauces, spicy sauces, or even a mustard mayonnaise are excellent accompaniments.

3. Can I grill the pastrama?
Of course! You can prepare the pastrama on the grill, but make sure to turn it frequently for even browning.

Possible Variations

- Herb Pastrama: Add fresh herbs to the marinade, such as basil or parsley, for an extra touch of freshness.
- Spicy Pastrama: If you like your food spicier, add more hot paprika or even chili flakes to the marinade.

Chicken breast pastrama is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be adapted and personalized according to your preferences. Try it and enjoy delicious, healthy flavors and a meal that will impress everyone! Enjoy your meal!