Chicken Breast Pastrami
Description
Suitable for both holidays and everyday meals. Inspired by a traditional dish beloved in Moldovan and Romanian cuisine. If beef isn’t to your liking, homemade chicken breast pastrami is a wonderful alternative to the classic version. The fillet turns out very tender, well-seasoned, and incredibly flavorful. You can also experiment with spices and seasonings as you like. Serve as an appetizer.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
1. Wash the chicken breasts thoroughly under running water. Put salt in a deep bowl and pour in slightly warm water (so the salt dissolves faster). Add the fillets, and leave everything for 1.5–2 hours.
- 2
Step 2
2. Then rinse thoroughly once more. Place on a paper towel and pat dry well.
- 3
Step 3
3. Meanwhile, peel the garlic and slice it into thin rounds. If you're not a fan of it, garlic is optional in this chicken breast pastrami recipe.
- 4
Step 4
4. Now you can work on the spices. In this case, use black pepper, red pepper and paprika, turmeric, herbes de Provence and basil. Add mustard and vegetable oil to them.
- 5
Step 5
5. Mix everything thoroughly. You can vary this mixture to taste by using any other spices and seasonings.
- 6
Step 6
6. Place the garlic in the center of the breast and close it carefully.
- 7
Step 7
7. Line a heatproof dish with foil or parchment paper. Rub each piece of fillet on all sides with the spice mixture. Place in the dish. Preheat the oven to maximum temperature.
- 8
Step 8
8. Place the dish in the oven for 15–18 minutes (depending on the size of the fillet). Then turn off the oven and, without opening the door, leave the homemade chicken breast pastrami there for 2 to 4 hours (until completely cooled).