Polenta rolls with chicken

Polenta Rolls with Chicken

Discover a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for those evenings when you want to indulge in a savory and hearty dish. These polenta rolls with chicken are not only an excellent way to make use of simple ingredients, but also a combination of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you prepare them for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these rolls promise to impress.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 500 g polenta
- 100 g grated cheese
- 50 g crumbled telemea cheese
- 4 boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 head of garlic
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 100 g sour cream, for serving
- Butter, for greasing the dish

Brief history

Polenta is a traditional dish that has been used over time in various forms as a base for many meals. This recipe combines polenta with chicken and cheese, creating a dish that reflects both the rusticity of folk cuisine and modern culinary creativity. Polenta rolls with chicken are not only filling but also visually appealing, making them ideal for bringing a touch of warmth on colder days.

Preparation method

Step 1: Preparing the meat

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into evenly sized cubes. This will ensure even cooking. In a heated pan, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and add the chicken cubes. Sauté the meat over medium heat, stirring gently, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel the head of garlic and crush it together with salt and pepper until you obtain a smooth paste. When the meat is browned, add a little water to the pan, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the water evaporates and the meat becomes tender.

Step 2: Preparing the garlic paste

After the meat is cooked, remove the pan from heat and add the garlic paste. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken cubes with the garlic flavors. Let it cool slightly to avoid melting the polenta in the next steps.

Step 3: Preparing the polenta

In a pot, prepare the polenta according to your preferred recipe. Once the polenta is cooked, add the grated cheese and crumbled telemea. Mix well until the cheese melts and incorporates evenly into the polenta.

Let the polenta cool slightly, then spread it on a buttered plastic wrap, forming a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick.

Step 4: Assembling the rolls

On the polenta sheet, evenly distribute the chicken mixture. Using the wrap as an aid, roll the polenta tightly, forming a cylinder. Make sure the roll is well secured so that it doesn't unravel during baking.

Cut the roll into pieces about 4-5 cm long and place them in a buttered heat-resistant dish.

Step 5: Baking

On each piece of roll, place a teaspoon of sour cream. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 10-15 minutes until the rolls turn golden and the sour cream melts.

Serving

These polenta rolls with chicken are delicious when served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables. You can also add a light yogurt sauce or a tomato salad to complete the meal.

Practical tips

- You can replace the chicken thighs with pork or turkey, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add spices such as sweet paprika or herbs (oregano, basil) to the meat mixture.
- The rolls can be prepared a few hours in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.
- If you like softer polenta, you can add a larger amount of water during preparation.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the polenta provides complex carbohydrates that offer long-term energy. The cheese adds a considerable amount of calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought polenta?
- Yes, you can use store-bought polenta, but make sure it is of good quality for better flavor.

2. What is the best cheese for the filling?
- Telemea and grated cheese are excellent options, but you can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella.

3. How can I store leftover rolls?
- The rolls can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

Conclusion

These polenta rolls with chicken are a wonderful choice for a comforting dinner and are easy to adapt to your tastes. With a rich flavor and pleasant texture, they will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Try them and enjoy every bite!