Turkish-Style Cordon Bleu

Ingredients

While the original Swiss Cordon Bleu is typically made with veal or pork, this Turkish adaptation uses chicken as the main protein. Additionally, the traditional Swiss ham is replaced with Turkish pastrami, which adds a rich and smoky flavor. The cheese used in this recipe is Turkish kasar cheese, known for its mild and creamy taste. Turkish spices such as paprika and cumin are also added to enhance the dish's flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Cordon Bleu, so you can check it out.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of Turkish pastrami 8 slices of Turkish pastrami
• 4 slices of Turkish kasar cheese 4 slices of Turkish kasar cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g) 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (120g) 1 cup breadcrumbs (120g)
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 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: 16g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
3. 3.
   Place 2 slices of pastrami and 1 slice of kasar cheese on each chicken breast.
4. 4.
   Roll up the chicken breasts tightly, securing them with toothpicks.
5. 5.
   Dredge each chicken roll in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Fry the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides, then transfer them to a baking dish.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
9. 9.
   Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Turkish pastrami — Look for a high-quality, thinly sliced pastrami for the best flavor and texture.
• Turkish kasar cheese — If kasar cheese is not available, you can substitute it with mozzarella or provolone cheese.
• Breadcrumbs — You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own by toasting and grinding stale bread.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure the chicken rolls cook evenly, make sure they are rolled tightly and secured with toothpicks.
• If you prefer a crispier coating, you can double coat the chicken rolls by dipping them in the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs twice.
• Serve the Turkish Cordon Bleu with a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish-Style Cordon Bleu hot, accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs well with a side of Turkish rice pilaf or roasted potatoes.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, slice the Turkish Cordon Bleu into thick rounds and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for a pop of color.