Arab-inspired Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Ingredients

In this Arab-inspired adaptation, the traditional Latvian Purtumute is transformed into stuffed chicken rolls. The original dish typically consists of minced meat wrapped in cabbage leaves and cooked in a flavorful broth. However, in this recipe, the minced meat is replaced with chicken breasts, and the cabbage leaves are substituted with a mixture of aromatic herbs, spices, and vegetables. The cooking technique is also modified, as the rolls are baked instead of being simmered in a broth. We alse have the original recipe for Purtumute, so you can check it out.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g / 1.3 lbs) 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g / 1.3 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml) 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup cooked rice (100g) 1/2 cup cooked rice (100g)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (15g) 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (15g)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint (15g) 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint (15g)
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted almonds (30g) 1/4 cup chopped roasted almonds (30g)
• 1/4 cup raisins (40g) 1/4 cup raisins (40g)
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (40g) 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (40g)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (40g) 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (40g)

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 kJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 19g (Sugars: 7g)
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.9g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional minute.
5. 5.
   Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
6. 6.
   To the mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, chopped parsley, chopped mint, chopped roasted almonds, raisins, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
7. 7.
   Lay the flattened chicken breasts on a clean surface and divide the filling mixture equally among them, spreading it evenly over each chicken breast.
8. 8.
   Roll up each chicken breast tightly, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
9. 9.
   Place the stuffed chicken rolls in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rolls are golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — To enhance the flavor, lightly toast the almonds before chopping them.
• Sun-dried tomatoes — If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, make sure to drain them well and pat them dry before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
• For a variation, you can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Serve the stuffed chicken rolls with a side of couscous or Arabic rice for a complete meal.
• If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.
• Leftover stuffed chicken rolls can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold as a tasty lunch option.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-inspired stuffed chicken rolls hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint. Accompany them with a side of Arabic rice or couscous for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed chicken rolls on a platter, placing them side by side to showcase their golden brown exterior. Drizzle a little olive oil over the rolls for a glossy finish. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with a side of Arabic rice or couscous.