Spring packages with chicken

Spring Rolls with Chicken: An Explosion of Flavors and Textures

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

These spring rolls with chicken are a perfect choice for a quick and tasty dinner or as an appetizer that will impress your guests. The origins of these rolls are shrouded in mystery, often associated with rich and diverse culinary traditions. Over the years, they have evolved and adapted to local tastes, but their essence remains the same: a delicious mix of fresh ingredients wrapped in a crispy sheet.

Before we start cooking, let's take a look at the necessary ingredients and discuss some essential techniques to achieve perfect spring rolls.

Ingredients

- 1 package of pastry sheets (approximately 500g)
- 2 eggs (one for the filling and one for sealing)
- 200g chicken breast, finely chopped or ground
- 150g chicken ham, diced
- 1 bunch of green onions, finely chopped
- ½ celery, grated
- 2 carrots, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon curry (optional, for a hint of flavor)
- Oil for frying (approximately 500ml, depending on the size of the pan)

Preparing the Filling

1. Chopping the ingredients: Use a food processor to chop the chicken breast. This step will help you achieve an even consistency that will mix better with the other ingredients. If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop the meat manually into very small cubes.

2. Cooking the filling: In a large skillet, add a little oil and heat it well. Add the chicken breast and sauté until it becomes slightly browned. Then, add the diced ham and green onions. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the onions become translucent.

3. Adding the vegetables: Add the grated carrots and celery and mix well. Leave the mixture on the heat until the vegetables soften, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and curry if you choose to use it. Mix well to integrate the spices.

4. Beaten egg: Take a plate and beat one egg. Add it to the meat and vegetable mixture, mixing everything well. This will help bind the ingredients. Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.

Preparing the Sheets

5. Cutting the sheets: On a clean surface, unfold the pastry sheets and cut them lengthwise into strips about 10 cm wide. These strips will be the base of your rolls.

6. Sealing: Beat the second egg and use it to brush the edges of each strip. This step is essential to prevent the rolls from coming apart during frying.

Assembling the Rolls

7. Filling and rolling: At one end of the pastry strip, add 1-2 tablespoons of filling. Gently roll the sheet, ensuring that the filling stays inside, then fold the edges before continuing to roll. Make sure you have sealed the edges well with egg to prevent leaks.

Frying the Rolls

8. Heating the oil: In a deep skillet, heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of about 180°C. It is important to have enough oil to cover the rolls during frying.

9. Frying: Add 2-3 rolls to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them on all sides until golden and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.

10. Draining: Once the rolls are ready, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess fat.

Serving

These spring rolls with chicken can be served hot, alongside various sauces. I recommend trying sauces like teriyaki, nuoc cham, or tzatziki, each offering a unique touch to the dish. The rolls are also ideal for serving at parties or gatherings with friends.

Delicious Variations

Although this recipe is already full of flavor, you can experiment with different fillings. Substitute the chicken breast with pork or tofu for a vegetarian option. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to diversify the texture and taste. You can even include fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

These spring rolls are a good source of protein due to the chicken breast and ham, while the fresh vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Depending on how you serve them, they can also be a relatively light meal option, with a moderate calorie content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen pastry sheets?
Yes, make sure to completely thaw them before use to avoid cracking.

- How can I store leftover rolls?
You can keep uncooked rolls in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or freeze them for later use. Fry them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

- Can they be baked instead of fried?
Yes, you can bake the rolls in the oven at 200°C for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Make sure to brush them with a little oil before baking.

By cooking these spring rolls with chicken, you will not only enjoy a delicious dish but also bring a touch of joy and creativity to your kitchen. So put on your apron and start your culinary adventure!