Description
Savory French pastry “Vol-au-vent” brings delicate puff pastry shells filled with rich chicken velouté sauce, celebrating classic Parisian culinary elegance. Crisp layers and creamy interior promise a delightful journey through traditional French comfort cuisine you will cherish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Components:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 fluid ounces) cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 fluid ounces) chicken or vegetable stock
- ½ cup (120 milliliters/4 fluid ounces) heavy cream
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup white wine (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Carefully unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly dusted work surface, ensuring an even, smooth texture. Skillfully utilize a precise round cutter to extract 8 delicate pastry circles, creating 4 complete base discs and 4 corresponding hollow rings.
- Meticulously position the full pastry circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then delicately layer the rings atop each base, ensuring perfect alignment and symmetry.
- Apply a gentle egg wash across the pastry surfaces, creating a lustrous golden sheen that will develop during baking. Transfer the prepared shells to a preheated oven at 375F (190C).
- Bake the pastry shells for approximately 15 minutes, watching for a dramatic rise and rich amber coloration. Once achieved, remove and allow a brief cooling period.
- In a medium saucepan, transform butter into a silky roux by incorporating flour and cooking briefly, creating a smooth foundational texture for the filling.
- Gradually introduce stock and white wine, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and develop a velvety consistency. Incorporate cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Introduce diced chicken and mushrooms into the sauce, gently simmering until the protein is thoroughly heated and the ingredients are harmoniously blended.
- Carefully spoon the luxurious filling into the crisp, golden pastry shells, ensuring each vol-au-vent is generously yet elegantly filled.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and a subtle herbaceous note. Serve immediately to preserve the pastry’s delicate crispness.
Notes
- Maximize flakiness by keeping puff pastry cold and handling it minimally during preparation.
- Ensure precise cutting of pastry circles using a sharp, clean cutter for uniform, professional-looking shells.
- Create extra crispiness by gently scoring the pastry rings before baking, allowing more dramatic rising and textural layers.
- Accommodate dietary needs by substituting chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit for vegetarian versions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 348
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 389 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg