Ankara Vineyard Chicken Tartine
Introduction to Ankara Vineyard Chicken Tartine
The Ankara Vineyard Chicken Tartine is a harmonious blend of Middle Eastern influences and French culinary elegance. This open-faced sandwich combines flavors that celebrate the rich history and unique culinary traditions of both regions. The dish features tender, marinated chicken, paired with a bounty of vineyard-inspired ingredients, creating a tartine that's both satisfying and sophisticated.
The history of the tartine finds its roots in French cuisine where open-faced sandwiches present an array of colorful ingredients elegantly arranged atop a single slice of well-crafted bread. The concept of incorporating flavors from the vineyards of Ankara brings a Turkish twist, enriching this dish with a fusion of flavors that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Ingredients
- Bread - preferably a thick slice of sourdough or a baguette
- Chicken breast
- Grapes - red or black, halved
- Walnuts - toasted and chopped
- Feta Cheese - crumbled
- Olive Oil
- Lemon - juiced
- Garlic - minced
- Thyme - fresh or dried
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Arugula or mixed greens
Preparation
Begin by preparing the chicken marinade. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, one clove of garlic, a teaspoon of thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste. Add the chicken breast and ensure it is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
While the chicken marinates, prep the other ingredients. Halve the grapes, crumble the feta cheese, and toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan until golden brown. Set these aside.
Cooking Process
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through. Remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
Using the same skillet, drizzle a bit more olive oil if necessary and lightly toast the bread slices until they are crispy and golden brown on both sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Assembling the Tartine
- Place the toasted bread on a serving plate.
- Lay a handful of arugula or mixed greens on top of the bread.
- Add the slices of chicken over the arugula.
- Scatter the halved grapes and toasted walnuts across the tartine.
- Sprinkle generously with feta cheese.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Enjoying Your Meal
The Ankara Vineyard Chicken Tartine is best enjoyed fresh, with every ingredient adding to the complexity of flavors. Pair this dish with a glass of white wine from the Ankara region to truly enhance the vineyard experience. Each bite should combine the crunch of toasted bread, the tenderness of marinated chicken, and the burst of sweetness from grapes, harmonized with the unmistakable tang of feta and the earthy walnuts. Whether you're serving it as a light lunch or an elegant appetizer, this dish provides a delightful exploration of contrasting textures and flavors. Feel free to adjust ingredients and spices to cater to your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
For those with a sweet tooth, adding a drizzle of honey over the tartine before serving can provide an extra dimension of flavor.