Hachis Parmentier

Hachis Parmentier with Chicken Breast and Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

A Delicacy with Historical Roots

Hachis Parmentier is a classic recipe that reflects the charm and comfort of homemade dishes. Its name comes from Antoine Parmentier, an agronomist who promoted potatoes in the 18th century. This recipe combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the savory taste of meat, offering a comforting meal ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the meat filling:
- 1 chicken breast (about 400 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley

For the mashed potatoes:
- 5 medium potatoes (about 700 g)
- 50 g butter
- 100 ml hot milk
- 1 egg
- 50 g grated cheese
- 50 g grated feta cheese
- A pinch of nutmeg

For the topping:
- Grated cheese, for sprinkling on top

Necessary Utensils
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Cooking pots
- Oven-safe dish
- Wooden spoon
- Mixer or potato masher

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Cut the chicken breast, onion, carrot, and bell pepper into small cubes. This will ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture in the final dish.

2. Cooking the Meat and Vegetables
In a large frying pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the chicken breast and red bell pepper. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked. Finally, add salt, pepper, and chopped parsley, mixing well.

3. Preparing the Mashed Potatoes
Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in salted water until soft (about 15-20 minutes). Once boiled, drain them and mash them using a mixer or potato masher. Add the butter, hot milk, egg, grated cheese, feta cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and creamy mash.

4. Assembling the Dish
Grease an oven-safe dish with butter. Add the first layer of meat and vegetable mixture, leveling it well. Then, pour the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle grated cheese over the mashed potatoes.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the surface is golden and browned.

Serving Suggestions
Hachis Parmentier is served warm, straight from the oven. It is a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables. A bottle of white wine or a natural fruit juice will splendidly complement the meal.

Practical Tips
- For an even more intense flavor and aroma, you can add some spices like thyme or oregano to the meat mixture.
- Possible variations: Substitute chicken breast with beef or pork. You can also add mushrooms or other vegetables as desired.
- Nutrition: This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken and carbohydrates from the potatoes, providing a nourishing and satisfying meal. Each serving contains approximately 450-500 kcal, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes add a sweet note and a different flavor, being a healthy alternative.
- How can I store leftovers? Hachis Parmentier stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be comforting to reheat in the microwave.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using tofu or soy for the filling and plant-based milk along with margarine instead of butter.

A Personal Note
This Hachis Parmentier recipe is one of my favorites, as it reminds me of family meals where comfort and joy came together around the table. Whether it's a festive dinner or an ordinary evening, this dish will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. I wish you great success in preparing this recipe and hope you enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken breast, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1/2 red bell pepper, salt and pepper, fresh parsley. For the puree: 5 medium potatoes, 50 g butter, 100 ml milk, 1 egg, 50 g cheese, 50 g feta cheese, nutmeg, cheese for sprinkling on top.

 Tags:  potatoes cheese cheese unt chicken breast