Cordon Bleu

Ingredients

While the Swiss Cordon Bleu typically uses veal or pork, this Latvian adaptation replaces it with chicken, which is a popular and easily accessible meat in Latvia. Additionally, the Latvian version incorporates local cheese and spices to add a unique twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Cordon Bleu, so you can check it out.

• 4 chicken breasts 4 chicken breasts
• 4 slices of ham 4 slices of ham
• 4 slices of Latvian cheese (such as Jāņu siers or Talsu siers) 4 slices of Latvian cheese (such as Jāņu siers or Talsu siers)
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 kJ
• Fat: 18g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (1g sugar)
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently to flatten to an even thickness.
3. 3.
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. 4.
   Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Latvian cheese on each chicken breast.
5. 5.
   Roll up the chicken breasts, tucking in the sides to enclose the filling.
6. 6.
   Secure the rolls with toothpicks.
7. 7.
   Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip it in beaten eggs, and coat it with breadcrumbs.
8. 8.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
9. 9.
   Fry the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides.
10. 10.
    Transfer the fried rolls to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
11. 11.
    Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — Pound them gently to ensure even cooking and to make rolling easier.
• Latvian cheese — Choose a cheese that melts well and has a distinct flavor to enhance the dish.
• Breadcrumbs — You can make your own breadcrumbs by toasting and grinding stale bread for a fresher taste.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the dish healthier, you can bake the chicken rolls instead of frying them.
• Experiment with different types of Latvian cheese to find your favorite flavor combination.
• Serve the Cordon Bleu with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a crispier coating, you can double-coat the chicken rolls by dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs twice.
• Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juiciness.

Serving advice

Serve the Latvian-inspired Cordon Bleu hot, accompanied by a generous portion of mashed potatoes and a fresh salad. Garnish with a sprig of parsley for an added touch of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced Cordon Bleu rolls on a platter, slightly overlapping each other. Drizzle a creamy sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.