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Chicken Kiev
Origin can be traced to the Ukrainian
city of Kiev. Long before Moscow became the Russian capital, Kiev served
as the major center of trade and culture. It was the first seat of the
medieval Russian empire. When cutting into Chicken Kiev, beware! When
properly prepared, the cutlets will release a spurt of hot, rich butter,
sometimes catching the diner unawares.
4 large chicken breast halves
1/4 pound of real butter, softened but NOT melted
freshly chopped parsley, chives, and tarragon
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
salt and freshly ground pepper
Dijon-style mustard
flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
fine dry bread crumbs
vegetable oil for deep frying
Cream the softened butter with the chopped herbs. I use about 1 teaspoon
each with just a bit more parsley. Blend in the lemon juice. Shape the
butter into 4 rolls, long enough to be placed lengthwise on the chicken
pieces without extending over the edge of the meat, and leaving a 1 inch
border. (Watch) Place the rolls of butter in the refrigerator to chill
until firm.
Meanwhile, flatten each chicken breast until thin and flat,
about 1/8 inch thick, being careful not to tear the meat. Lightly salt
and pepper the chicken, and set aside. Spread each fillet with a thin
layer of the mustard. Place a roll of butter lengthwise along each
piece.
Tuck in the ends of the fillets and roll them up, making sure
that the butter is completely enclosed within the chicken packet. Dredge
each fillet in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and then in the dry bread
crumbs, so that is completely coated. Adjust the fillets into uniform
ovals. Put the fillets in the refrigerator and leave to chill for a
least one hour up to 4 hours. Preheat the vegetable oil to 360 degrees
in a deep-fat fryer. Remove the fillets from the refrigerator and
immerse them in the hot oil. Do not crowd them. Fry the fillets for 5-8
minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately. If they must be held
until the remaining ones are fried, place them in a warm oven for no
more than 5 minutes. Or, instead of deep frying, they could simply be
fried in a frying pan over medium-high heat in a mixture of 4
tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon oil. Cook the fillets for about 5
minutes on each side, but do not puncture them.
Chicken --
Main Dishes --
Meat Dishes -- Russia
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