Ainu-inspired Chicken and Mushroom Rolada

Ingredients

In this Ainu-inspired adaptation, we have incorporated traditional Ainu spices and flavors to enhance the original Polish dish. The marinade for the chicken includes Ainu spices, which infuse the meat with a unique and rich taste. Additionally, we have added Ainu herbs to the rolada, providing a refreshing and aromatic element to the dish. These modifications create a fusion of flavors that pay homage to both Ainu and Polish culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Rolada z kurczakiem i pieczarkami, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken breast 500g (1.1 lb) chicken breast
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms 200g (7 oz) mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons Ainu spice blend 2 tablespoons Ainu spice blend
• 1 tablespoon Ainu herb mix 1 tablespoon Ainu herb mix
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• 200ml (7 fl oz) milk 200ml (7 fl oz) milk
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Slice the chicken breast into thin strips and place them in a bowl.
2. 2.
   Add the Ainu spice blend to the chicken and mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In the meantime, clean and slice the mushrooms.
4. 4.
   Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and sauté the mushrooms until they are tender. Set aside.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, flour, milk, and Ainu herb mix until you have a smooth batter.
6. 6.
   Season the batter with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
8. 8.
   Pour a ladleful of the batter into the pan and spread it evenly to form a thin pancake.
9. 9.
   Cook the pancake for a few minutes until it is set and slightly golden.
10. 10.
    Place a few strips of marinated chicken and sautéed mushrooms on top of the pancake.
11. 11.
    Roll the pancake tightly, enclosing the filling.
12. 12.
    Repeat the process with the remaining batter and filling.
13. 13.
    Once all the roladas are prepared, heat some oil in a pan and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
14. 14.
    Remove the roladas from the pan and drain them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
15. 15.
    Serve the Ainu-inspired Chicken and Mushroom Rolada warm, either as a main dish or as an appetizer.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breast — To ensure the chicken remains tender, slice it against the grain. This will help break down the muscle fibers and result in a more tender texture.
• Ainu spice blend — If you don't have access to Ainu spices, you can create a similar blend by combining equal parts of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Ainu herb mix — If Ainu herbs are not available, you can substitute with a combination of dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Experiment with different mushroom varieties to add depth of flavor to the rolada.
• Serve the rolada with a side of Ainu-inspired pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
• If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can bake the roladas in the oven instead of frying them.
• Leftover roladas can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold as a tasty snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Ainu-inspired Chicken and Mushroom Rolada as a main dish accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Alternatively, cut the roladas into bite-sized pieces and serve them as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Ainu-inspired Chicken and Mushroom Rolada with a sprinkle of Ainu herbs or a drizzle of soy sauce. Serve it on a platter with decorative greens or edible flowers for an eye-catching display.