Recipe

En Vessie with Herb Butter

Herb-Infused Delight: En Vessie with a French Twist

4.3 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of French cuisine with this exquisite dish, En Vessie. A traditional French delicacy, En Vessie features tender meat cooked in a flavorful herb butter, encased in a delicate pastry shell. This recipe is a true celebration of French culinary artistry.

Technique› En vessie

European cuisine› Western European cuisine› French cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

1 hour

Total time

1 hour and 30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Omnivore, Low carb, Keto, Paleo, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free puff pastry)

Allergens

Dairy (butter), Gluten (if using regular puff pastry), Egg

Not suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Egg-free

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds / 1.4 kg) 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds / 1.4 kg)
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
1 sheet of puff pastry 1 sheet of puff pastry
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
Fat: 32g (Saturated Fat: 18g)
Carbohydrates: 15g (Sugar: 0g)
Protein: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2.
In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, thyme leaves, rosemary leaves, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the herb butter.
3.
Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
4.
Gently loosen the skin of the chicken and spread the herb butter evenly under the skin.
5.
Place the chicken in a large oven-safe dish or roasting pan.
6.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet and carefully wrap the chicken, ensuring it is completely covered.
7.
Brush the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden color.
8.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the pastry is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
9.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
10.
To serve, carefully cut open the pastry shell at the table and enjoy the succulent meat within.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Chicken — Choose a high-quality, organic chicken for the best flavor and texture.
Puff pastry — If you prefer a lighter pastry, you can use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry. Just make sure to brush each layer with melted butter before wrapping the chicken.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or brandy to the herb butter mixture.
Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into it to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a moist and tender result.
Serve the En Vessie with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Serving advice

To serve En Vessie, place the whole chicken on a large serving platter. Bring it to the table and cut open the pastry shell in front of your guests, allowing them to enjoy the aroma and anticipation. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of En Vessie, garnish the serving platter with sprigs of fresh herbs, such as thyme and rosemary. This will add a touch of elegance and freshness to the dish.