Crispy cordon bleu

Crispy Cordon Bleu - A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

Cordon bleu is more than just a simple recipe; it's a true culinary experience that combines the tenderness of meat with the intense flavor of ham and melted cheese. In this recipe, I will share the secret to achieving a crispy cordon bleu, perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a festive meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 8 slices of pork loin (approximately 150-200 g each)
- 8 slices of ham (preferably Prague ham or prosciutto)
- 200 g cheese (recommended to be hard, such as Emmental or Gouda)
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 5 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of cornmeal (for extra crunch)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika (for a touch of color and flavor)
- Oil for frying (approximately 500 ml)

Step by step in preparing cordon bleu

Step 1: Preparing the meat

Start by pounding each slice of pork loin with a meat mallet. This process will not only tenderize the meat but also ensure even cooking. Make sure the slices are about 1 cm thick. Once done, season each slice with salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 2: Assembling the cordon bleu

The cheese and ham slices should be cut to a width of about 2 cm. This will allow the cheese to melt evenly during frying. Layer the ham slices with the cheese slices alternately. These will form the delicious filling of the cordon bleu.

On each slice of meat, place a portion of filling (ham and cheese) in the center of the slices. Neatly roll each slice like a cabbage roll. Make sure the filling does not spill out during frying. If necessary, secure the roll with toothpicks.

Step 3: Breading

Prepare a bowl with flour, to which you will add the cornmeal and sweet paprika. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture. In another bowl, beat the two eggs. Finally, prepare a bowl with breadcrumbs.

Roll each roll in the flour mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Then dip it in the beaten egg and finally coat it generously with breadcrumbs. This process will ensure a crispy crust, perfect.

Step 4: Frying

In a deep frying pan, add the oil and let it heat well. Ensure the temperature is moderate to avoid burning the breadcrumbs. Fry each cordon bleu on all sides until golden and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. Don't rush; a low flame will ensure even cooking of the meat and perfectly melted cheese.

Serving

The crispy cordon bleu pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes and a roasted pepper salad. These accompaniments not only provide a contrast of textures but also add a touch of freshness.

Nutritional benefits

Cordon bleu is a good source of protein due to the pork and cheese. It also contains healthy fats from the oil used for frying. However, due to the breadcrumbs and flour, it is important to consume this delicacy in moderation. A serving of cordon bleu has approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the oil used and the portion size.

Possible variations

For those who prefer a lighter option, you can opt for a baked version. Replace frying with baking at 180 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes until golden. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as goat cheese and spinach or mushrooms and cheese.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace pork loin with chicken or turkey. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat.

2. How can I make cordon bleu healthier?
By trying the baked version or using whole grain breadcrumbs.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A pale beer or a dry white wine are excellent choices that complement the savory flavor of the cordon bleu.

Personal note

Cordon bleu is a dish that reminds me of family meals, where each roll was a little masterpiece. I recommend serving this dish with a garlic or yogurt sauce for an extra touch of freshness. Enjoy your meal!