Curious about Talagani cheese? This Greek delicacy, similar to halloumi, is a versatile, semi-hard cheese known for its rich flavor and firm texture that holds up well to grilling or frying. Originating from the Messinia region, Talagani cheese is crafted from sheep’s milk, offering a unique taste that enhances both traditional and modern dishes. Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or exploring new culinary ingredients, Talagani is a must-try.
Gourmet Talagani Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Roulade with Herb Sauce
This gourmet dish features tender chicken breasts stuffed with Talagani cheese and a blend of herbs, rolled into a roulade, and served with a rich herb sauce. It's an elegant meal perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Roulade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 800 grams)
- 200 grams Talagani cheese, sliced
- 30 grams fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 15 grams fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 30 ml olive oil
For the Herb Sauce:
- 30 grams unsalted butter
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 120 ml white wine
- 200 ml chicken stock
- 60 ml heavy cream
- 15 grams fresh tarragon, chopped
- 15 grams fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Roulade
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1 cm using a meat mallet.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Lay slices of Talagani cheese, spinach leaves, minced garlic, and chopped basil and parsley on each chicken breast.
- Roll up each chicken breast tightly and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken roulades on all sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Prepare the Herb Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the shallot and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until reduced by half.
- Add the chicken stock and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, tarragon, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the roulades into medallions and arrange them on serving plates.
- Drizzle the herb sauce over the chicken and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Variations
- Stuffing Options:
- Spinach and Feta: Replace the Talagani cheese with crumbled feta and add sautéed spinach for a Mediterranean twist.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Use sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese for a rich, flavorful filling.
- Herb Infusion:
- Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the filling for added flavor. You can also mix chopped herbs into the herb sauce for a more aromatic dish.
- Add Nuts:
- Include chopped walnuts or pine nuts in the filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the creamy Talagani cheese.
- Sweet and Savory:
- Add dried apricots or figs to the filling for a sweet contrast to the savory cheese. This can enhance the flavor profile and add a gourmet touch.
- Prosciutto or Bacon:
- Wrap the chicken roulade in prosciutto or bacon before baking for an extra layer of flavor and a crispy texture.
- Spicy Kick:
- Incorporate jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the filling for a spicy version. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
- Creamy Sauce Variations:
- Instead of a basic herb sauce, try a mushroom cream sauce or a mustard cream sauce to drizzle over the roulade for added richness.
- Vegetable Medley:
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
- Grilled Version:
- Grill the roulades instead of baking them for a smoky flavor. Brush with olive oil and grill until cooked through, giving it a nice char.
- Cheese Variations:
- Experiment with different types of cheese such as goat cheese, ricotta, or blue cheese for unique flavor combinations.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving) | |
---|---|
Calories | 600 kcal |
Total Fat | 35 g |
Saturated Fat | 15 g |
Cholesterol | 180 mg |
Sodium | 500 mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 5 g |
Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
Sugars | 2 g |
Protein | 60 g |