Chicken roll with fennel and mashed potatoes

Chicken roll with fennel and mashed potatoes

Imagine a warm evening, where the delicious aroma of a freshly cooked dish fills the kitchen. The chicken roll with fennel and mashed potatoes is a dish that not only satisfies the taste buds but also adds a touch of elegance to any meal. This simple yet refined recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and by marinating the chicken beforehand, you will achieve an intense and savory flavor.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marination time: 12 hours (ideally overnight)
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total: 12 hours and 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500g)
- 1 large fennel
- 1 medium tomato
- 1 large onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 packet instant soup (chicken or vegetable)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika
- 4-5 large potatoes
- 50g margarine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup hot water

Preparation of the chicken roll:

1. Marinating the chicken: Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken breast. Season the meat with salt and pepper, then slice the garlic thinly. Mix the garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and massage the chicken breast well with this mixture. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This step is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, giving it a rich taste.

2. Preparing the roll: The next morning, take the chicken breast out of the fridge and remove the garlic slices. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Celsius. In a bowl, mix the honey, instant soup, tomato paste, and hot paprika. Using a brush, evenly coat the chicken breast with this flavorful paste. Carefully roll the meat and tie it securely with kitchen twine to prevent it from unrolling.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Slice the tomato, fennel, and onion thinly. In a baking dish, arrange the vegetables, adding salt, pepper, paprika, and a little of the instant soup. Pour half a cup of hot water into the dish, then place the chicken roll on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven.

4. Baking: Bake the roll for 20 minutes at 250 degrees Celsius, then reduce the temperature to 200 degrees and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes until the meat is tender and juicy. Finally, remove the foil and let the roll brown for about 10 minutes.

5. Preparing the sauce: After taking the roll out of the oven, add the roasted vegetables to a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. If you desire a spicier sauce, feel free to add a bit of chili or hot pepper sauce.

Preparing the mashed potatoes:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into uniform cubes, then boil them in a pot of salted water for about 20 minutes, or until they are soft.

2. Mashing the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and add the margarine. Using a potato masher or a mixer, mash the potatoes until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste, and for extra creaminess, you can also include a bit of milk or cream.

Serving:

Finally, slice the chicken roll and serve it alongside the mashed potatoes and the vegetable sauce obtained. A fresh arugula salad with a few drops of olive oil and balsamic vinegar will perfectly complement this dish.

Practical tips:

- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, replace the chicken breast with a roll of tofu or vegetables. Marinate the tofu in the same spices for a delicious taste.
- Varied flavors: Experiment with different vegetables in the vegetable sauce. Carrots or zucchini can add a touch of sweetness.
- Frequently asked questions: "Can I use other types of meat?" Yes, turkey or pork can also be used, but the baking time will vary.
- Ideal pairings: This roll pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a citrus cocktail.

Nutritional benefits:

This chicken roll recipe is rich in protein, thanks to the chicken breast, while fennel adds a note of fiber and vitamins. Oven-baked chicken is a healthy cooking method, and the mashed potatoes provide the necessary carbohydrates for energy.

In conclusion, the chicken roll with fennel and mashed potatoes is a versatile, easy-to-make recipe full of flavor. Try it and turn every meal into an unforgettable culinary experience!