Chicken breast rolls with ham

Chicken breast rolls with ham and plum sauce

In a world full of mundane recipes, chicken breast rolls with ham stand out for their savory taste and unique combination of ingredients. This recipe not only adds a touch of refinement to your kitchen but will also impress your guests with the sweet-and-sour aroma of the plum sauce, which pairs perfectly with the juicy meat. Let's embark on this culinary journey step by step, so you can achieve a perfect result!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 large chicken breast (approximately 600-800 g)
- 10-12 slices of ham (preferably prosciutto or homemade ham)
- Spices to taste (salt, pepper, sweet paprika, herbs)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 300 g of plums (preferably dried plums)
- 30 ml of white or red wine

Preparing the rolls

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure you have a sharp knife to cut the chicken breast and a baking dish. The dried plums will be used for the filling, and the wine will add a note of complexity to the sauce.

2. Cutting the chicken breast: Cut the chicken breast into longitudinal strips, each about 1 cm thick. These strips will be pounded to make them easy to roll.

3. Pounding the meat: Use a meat mallet or a weight to pound the chicken strips until they are flat and thin. This will facilitate the rolling process and help cook the meat evenly.

4. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and your preferred spices on each chicken strip. You can also add a little sweet paprika for a slightly smoky flavor and attractive color.

5. Filling with plums: Soak the plums in hot water for 15-20 minutes until they swell and become softer. Remove the pits and place one plum on each chicken strip. This combination of meat and fruit will add a touch of sweetness, perfect for contrasting with the saltiness of the ham.

6. Rolling and wrapping: Roll each chicken strip with the plum inside, then wrap the roll in a slice of ham. Make sure the plum is well covered to prevent it from drying out during cooking. Secure the rolls with toothpicks to prevent them from unrolling during baking.

7. Baking: Place the rolls in a baking dish, drizzling them with olive oil. This will help brown the meat and add a pleasant aroma. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the ham becomes crispy.

Preparing the plum sauce

1. Plum paste: After the plums have swollen, blend them in a blender until you achieve a smooth paste. This will be the base of your sauce.

2. Thickening the sauce: Place the plum paste in a small saucepan, add a little water and 30 ml of wine. Simmer on low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. You can add a tablespoon of sugar if you desire a sweeter sauce.

Serving

Once the rolls are ready, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Remove the toothpicks and cut the rolls into slices about 2 cm thick. Arrange them on a platter and drizzle the plum sauce on top.

These delicious rolls can be served alongside a pickled salad for a crunchy and tangy contrast that will balance the sweetness of the sauce. Additionally, a side of mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables will perfectly complement this dish.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, while plums add fiber and antioxidants, positively impacting digestion. The ham, while adding a note of flavor, is high in salt, so it’s best consumed in moderation. This recipe is an ideal choice for a festive meal or a quick dinner, with a reasonable calorie content of around 350-400 calories per serving.

Possible variations

To give a personal touch to your recipe, you can experiment with different types of meat, such as turkey or even fish, instead of chicken. You can also add fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I substitute plums with other fruits?
Yes, you can use dried apricots or figs, depending on your preferences.

2. Is it necessary to use wine in the sauce?
Wine adds complexity to the sauce, but you can omit it or replace it with apple juice or water.

3. How can I make the rolls less salty?
Choose a low-sodium ham and use only the necessary spices to control the salt.

4. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or a pale ale are excellent choices to accompany these rolls.

In conclusion, chicken breast rolls with ham and plum sauce are a delicious choice that combines simple ingredients to create a sophisticated dish. With a little patience and attention to detail, you will impress anyone with your culinary skills. Enjoy your meal!