Turkey breast gratin stuffed with mushrooms and apricots in a cream and cheese sauce

Turkey breast gratin filled with mushrooms and apricots in creamy cheese sauce

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4

A refined and savory dish, the turkey breast gratin filled with mushrooms and apricots is a perfect choice for an elegant dinner or a festive lunch. This recipe combines the classic technique of gratin with the delicious flavors of the filling, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish, perfect for enjoying with loved ones.

A brief history of gratin

Gratin is a culinary technique that originated in French cuisine, where dishes are covered with a crispy layer, often made from breadcrumbs, cheese, or eggs. This method not only provides an attractive appearance but also a unique texture, perfectly complementing the base ingredients. Today's recipe blends influences from various culinary traditions, and the version we present is inspired by Swiss style, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

- 500 g turkey breast (approximately 1/2 breast)
- 400 g sliced mushrooms
- 50 g dried apricots, sliced
- 300 ml cream
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 50 g butter
- 100 g grated parmesan (70 g for the sauce and 30 g for gratin)
- 6 potatoes
- Olive oil
- Chicken spices (preferably spicy)
- Sweet paprika
- A sprig of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step

1. Preparing the turkey breast
- Start by slicing the turkey breast into thin fillets. Place the fillets between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are thin and even. This step helps the meat cook evenly and become tender.

2. Seasoning
- Sprinkle the chicken spices on both sides of the turkey fillets. This will add a delicious flavor and enhance the taste of the dish.

3. Filling
- In a bowl, mix the sliced mushrooms, sliced apricots, and chopped parsley. This combination will give the filling a sweet and tangy note that will perfectly complement the turkey meat.

4. Filling and rolling
- Place a portion of the filling on each turkey fillet and carefully roll them up, securing the ends with toothpicks to keep the filling from spilling out during cooking.

5. Browning the rolls
- In a non-stick skillet, melt the butter and add the turkey rolls. Brown them on all sides until golden, which will add a delicious taste to the dish.

6. Preparing the mustard paste
- In a small bowl, mix the mustard, olive oil, and a little pepper. This will be the paste you use to brush the rolls.

7. Assembling in the baking dish
- Grease a baking dish with butter and arrange the browned rolls. Use a brush to evenly coat them with the mustard paste.

8. Preparing the sauce
- In another bowl, mix the cream with 70 g of grated parmesan. Pour the sauce over the rolls in the baking dish and sprinkle a little sweet paprika on top.

9. Baking
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the dish in the oven for 15 minutes. Then, add the remaining parmesan on top and let it gratin until golden and appetizing (about 10 minutes).

10. Preparing accordion potatoes
- Peel and wash the potatoes. Slice them thinly, but not all the way through, so they remain whole. Place each potato on a piece of aluminum foil greased with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and add a thin strip of butter on top. Fold the foil, creating packets, and place them on a tray.

11. Cooking the potatoes
- Place the tray with the potatoes in the oven alongside the rolls and let them bake for about 40 minutes. When done, carefully open the foil to avoid hot steam.

Serving

Once everything is ready, remove the rolls from the oven, take out the toothpicks, and serve them alongside an accordion potato, drizzled with the delicious sauce from the dish. You can add a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips

- Filling variations: You can experiment with other ingredients for the filling, such as chopped nuts, feta cheese, or sautéed spinach.
- Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade, which will complement the flavors of the dish.
- Preparing in advance: You can prepare the rolls a day ahead, keeping them in the refrigerator and baking them before serving.
- Nutritional benefits: Turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein, and mushrooms provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals. Dried apricots add a sweet note and are rich in fiber.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I substitute turkey breast with another type of meat?
- Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or even beef, but the cooking time may vary.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little cornstarch dissolved in cold water to the cream sauce.

3. What is the best type of mushrooms for this recipe?
- Champignon or porcini mushrooms are the most suitable, but you can also use shiitake mushrooms for a more intense flavor.

4. What else can I serve alongside this gratin?
- Pilaf rice or a summer salad with fresh vegetables are excellent choices to complement the meal.

Enjoy your meal! This turkey breast gratin filled with mushrooms and apricots will surely become a family favorite!