Vol-au-Vent is a quintessential French dish that embodies elegance and flavor. These delicate puff pastry shells are filled with a variety of rich, savory fillings, making them a perfect choice for appetizers, main courses, or even desserts. Whether you want to impress your guests or indulge in gourmet dining at home, this Vol-au-Vent recipe will guide you through each step to achieve the perfect flaky and delicious dish.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Vol-au-Vent
To prepare Vol-au-Vent from scratch, you will need:
For the Puff Pastry Shells:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Flour (for dusting)
- Round cookie cutter (approximately 3 inches in diameter)
- Smaller round cutter (approximately 1 inch in diameter)
For the Filling (Chicken and Mushroom Cream Sauce):
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup cooked chicken (diced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Vol-au-Vent
Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry Shells
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a large round cutter, cut out circles from the pastry sheets.
- Create the rims: Use the smaller round cutter to cut out the center of half of the circles. These will form the raised rims of the Vol-au-Vent.
- Assemble: Place the whole pastry circles on the baking sheet. Brush the edges with beaten egg and carefully place the rings on top of them, pressing lightly.
- Bake: Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Let them cool before filling.
Step 2: Preparing the Chicken and Mushroom Filling
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook the mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they are soft and lightly browned.
- Prepare the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Slowly pour in chicken broth and cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add chicken: Stir in diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Simmer: Let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Step 3: Assembling the Vol-au-Vent
- Fill the shells: Spoon the creamy chicken and mushroom filling into the puff pastry shells.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade Vol-au-Vent warm with a side salad or on its own.
Expert Tips for Perfect Vol-au-Vent
- Use chilled puff pastry to achieve the best rise and flakiness.
- Don’t overload the filling—keep it creamy but not runny to maintain structure.
- Try different fillings like seafood, vegetarian options, or even sweet variations with custard and fruit.
Vol-au-Vent is a timeless French classic that can be customized to suit any occasion. Whether served at a formal dinner or as a comforting homemade meal, its delicate pastry and rich filling make it an unforgettable dish. Enjoy your homemade Vol-au-Vent and savor the authentic taste of French cuisine!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fats | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 340mg |
Conclusion
Vol-au-Vent is an elegant and delicious dish that can be adapted to various tastes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a quick gourmet meal, this classic French pastry never disappoints.
FAQs
1. Can I make Vol-au-Vent ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the pastry shells and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
2. What are the best alternative fillings?
Seafood, ham and cheese, spinach and ricotta, or even sweet custard with berries are excellent choices.
3. How do I prevent the puff pastry from collapsing?
Ensure your oven is properly preheated, and avoid opening the door frequently while baking.
4. Can I freeze Vol-au-Vent?
Yes! Store baked pastry shells in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Vol-au-Vent and impress your guests with this exquisite French delicacy!
