Chicken with Bechamel sauce and mint
Delicious chicken recipe with mint béchamel sauce and basmati rice with flaxseeds
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
In a world full of traditional recipes, sometimes the best thing is to let our imagination soar and create dishes that delight our senses. Today, I will share with you a recipe that combines the unique flavors of mint béchamel sauce, succulent chicken thighs, and a side of basmati rice with flaxseeds. This dish not only looks splendid but also pampers the taste buds, leaving them happy!
Brief history of béchamel sauce
Béchamel sauce is one of the most well-known base sauces in international cuisine, with deep roots in European culinary traditions. It is a creamy white sauce made by combining butter, flour, and milk. It became popular due to its versatility, being used in thousands of dishes, from lasagna to gratins. Over time, numerous variations have emerged, including the addition of herbs, such as mint, which gives it a distinctive taste.
Ingredients
For the béchamel sauce:
- 38 g flour
- 100 g butter
- 400 ml milk
- 1 handful of dried mint
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
For the chicken:
- 6 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon curry
For the side:
- 200 g basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons flaxseeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Chili leaves for decoration
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the marinade for the chicken
Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken thighs. In a bowl, combine the orange blossom water, soy sauce, chili flakes, crushed garlic, and curry. Mix all the ingredients well, then add the chicken thighs. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Marinating will not only add wonderful flavor but will also make the meat more tender.
Step 2: Preparing the mint béchamel sauce
In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly for a few seconds, being careful not to let it color. Then, gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once the sauce becomes creamy, add salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
If you want a sauce with a more complex flavor, add 1 handful of dried mint. This will transform the sauce, bringing a fresh and refreshing note. Finally, strain the sauce through a sieve to remove any lumps and add a few pieces of butter on top for a velvety appearance.
Step 3: Baking the chicken
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish along with the marinade. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked. Delicious aromas will spread throughout the kitchen!
Step 4: Preparing the basmati rice
Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, add the flaxseeds and sesame oil and mix well. The flaxseeds not only add a pleasant appearance but also a boost of nutrients.
Serving
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken thighs on a bed of basmati rice, and pour the mint béchamel sauce on top. For a vibrant look, decorate with fresh chili leaves.
Useful tips
- If you want a richer béchamel sauce, you can add grated cheese (for example, Parmesan) to the hot sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Consider a longer marinating time (up to 2 hours) to intensify the flavors.
Calories and nutritional benefits
This recipe is a good source of protein due to the chicken and contains complex carbohydrates from the basmati rice. The flaxseeds add omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Approximately, one serving contains about 600 calories, depending on the amount of sauce used.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of rice?
Yes, you can use long-grain rice or brown rice, but the cooking time will vary.
2. What other sides go well with this dish?
Besides basmati rice, you can also try mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A fresh lemonade or a dry white wine are excellent choices, adding a refreshing note to your meals.
In conclusion, this chicken recipe with mint béchamel sauce and basmati rice with flaxseeds is not just a culinary challenge but also an opportunity to explore unique flavor combinations. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just for a family dinner, it will surely leave everyone smiling. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: I used for the sauce: 38 g flour, 100 g butter, 400 ml milk, dried mint, nutmeg, salt, pepper. For the chicken: 6 chicken thighs without bone, orange blossom water, soy sauce, chili flakes, garlic, curry. For the garnish: Basmati rice, flax seeds, sesame oil, chili leaves.
