Gordon bleu with smoked cheese

Smoked Cheese Gordon Bleu: A Delicious Indulgence for Your Taste Buds

Who doesn't love a dish that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside? Gordon bleu is a classic dish, loved by many, and the smoked cheese version adds an extra layer of flavor and aroma. This recipe is perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion. With a little patience and a few simple ingredients, you'll create a dish that will impress anyone.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 boneless chicken breast (approximately 500g)
- 100g smoked cheese, sliced thinly
- 100g pastrami, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into long strips
- 1 teaspoon seasoning (or a spice mix of your choice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- Flour, enough to create a batter similar to pancake batter
- Breadcrumbs, for a crispy crust
- Oil, for frying

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Chicken Breast:
Start by washing the chicken breast thoroughly under cold running water. Then, cut it into manageable pieces for easy rolling. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the meat until it becomes tender and cooks evenly. This is a crucial step for achieving a juicy gordon bleu. Once done, season the pieces of meat with salt and pepper, then let them rest for about 30 minutes. This time allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat.

2. Preparing the Filling:
While the chicken breast is marinating, prepare the filling. Slice the smoked cheese and pastrami thinly, and cut the red bell pepper into long strips. This will add a touch of freshness and a pleasant contrast of textures to your dish.

3. Assembling the Gordon Bleus:
Take each piece of chicken and place a slice of smoked cheese on top, followed by a slice of pastrami and a few strips of red bell pepper. Roll each piece tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. If necessary, you can use toothpicks to secure the rolls, although if rolled well, this shouldn't be needed.

4. Preparing the Batter:
In a bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, gradually adding the flour while continuously mixing until you achieve a consistency similar to pancake batter. Season with a bit of pepper and seasoning for added flavor.

5. Dipping in Breadcrumbs:
Prepare a plate with breadcrumbs. Take each gordon bleu and dip it in the egg mixture, then in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is evenly coated. This will create a crispy, golden crust when frying.

6. Frying:
In a frying pan, add enough oil to cover the bottom. Heat the oil over medium heat, then add the gordon bleus one at a time. Fry them for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they become golden and crispy. Don't rush, as slow frying will ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked inside.

7. Serving:
Once the gordon bleus are ready, place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. You can serve them hot, alongside a fresh vegetable salad or mashed potatoes. An interesting idea would be to serve them with a garlic sauce or a tomato and basil salad, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Practical Tips:
- Choose ingredients carefully: Use quality smoked cheese, as its flavor will significantly influence the dish's taste. If you don't have smoked cheese, you can use regular cheese and add a bit of smoked paprika to the batter.
- Test the oil temperature: You can check if the oil is hot enough by throwing in a small piece of bread; if it browns instantly, the oil is ready.
- Vary the filling: Instead of pastrami, you can try using ham or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This smoked cheese gordon bleu recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used and specific ingredients. Chicken breast is an excellent source of protein, while cheese provides calcium and B vitamins. Although it is a higher-calorie dish due to frying, enjoying it occasionally is perfectly acceptable within a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this dish in the oven? Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the gordon bleus at 180 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the baking time.
- What other side dishes pair well? You can serve the gordon bleus with fries, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables to add a healthy element to your meal.
- Can I freeze the gordon bleus? Yes, you can freeze the gordon bleus before frying. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.

I hope this smoked cheese gordon bleu recipe brings you not only culinary satisfaction but also pleasant moments with your loved ones. Indulged in flavors and textures, this dish will surely become a favorite in your kitchen! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 boneless chicken breast, a few slices of smoked cheese, some pieces of pastrama, red bell pepper, vegeta, pepper, salt, 1 cup of milk, 2 eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, oil

 Tags:  gordon bleu cheese chicken breast