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Tavuk Göğsü, Turkey’s beloved chicken breast pudding, is one of the most intriguing desserts you’ll find in Turkish cuisine.
Delicate, creamy, and subtly flavoured, this dessert combines shredded chicken breast with milk and sugar, resulting in a silky pudding that’s smooth, subtly sweet, and surprisingly delicious.
Often served with a sprinkle of cinnamon, Tavuk Göğsü has a unique taste and texture that captivates anyone curious enough to try it.
What Is Tavuk Göğsü?
Tavuk Göğsü, which translates to “chicken breast,” is a traditional Turkish dessert that uses finely shredded chicken as a base ingredient, blended seamlessly with milk, sugar, and rice flour to create a creamy pudding.
While the thought of using chicken in a dessert might seem unusual, the chicken is carefully prepared so that its texture adds body without imparting a noticeable flavour.
The result is a smooth, mild pudding that’s subtly sweet, allowing the cinnamon garnish to shine through. Served chilled, Tavuk Göğsü is an experience in texture and flavour, with a luxurious consistency that’s light yet satisfying.
Typically presented in a rectangular slice or scooped into a bowl, Tavuk Göğsü’s appearance is unassuming, belying its complex preparation. It’s a dish that represents the creativity and resourcefulness of Turkish cuisine, transforming simple ingredients into something unexpected and delightful.
Ingredients and Taste
The core ingredients in Tavuk Göğsü are finely shredded chicken breast, milk, sugar, rice flour, and a pinch of salt. The chicken breast is poached, shredded, and soaked in water to remove any residual flavour, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the pudding mixture.
Milk and sugar provide the pudding’s base, while rice flour thickens it to the perfect consistency. A light dusting of cinnamon on top brings a fragrant warmth that enhances the dessert’s delicate sweetness.
In terms of taste, Tavuk Göğsü is surprisingly subtle. The sweetness is mild, allowing the creamy texture and smooth flavour of the milk to take centre stage.
The chicken is undetectable in taste but adds a body that’s different from other puddings, slightly chewy, but in a way that complements the silkiness of the milk.
The hint of cinnamon adds a layer of warmth, making each spoonful both comforting and refreshing. This is not a dessert that overwhelms but rather one that invites you to appreciate its understated charm.
A Taste of History
Tavuk Göğsü has a storied history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was a dessert reserved for royalty and the upper class. The Ottomans were known for their culinary creativity, often blending savoury and sweet elements to create dishes that defied convention.
Tavuk Göğsü’s use of chicken in a dessert was a reflection of this adventurous spirit, and it quickly became a favourite at the royal court, appreciated for its unique texture and refined flavour.
Over the centuries, Tavuk Göğsü became more accessible, enjoyed by Turkish people from all walks of life. Today, it’s a cherished part of Turkish culinary heritage, often served on special occasions or enjoyed as a treat for those who appreciate traditional desserts with a twist.
Its enduring popularity speaks to its uniqueness, Tavuk Göğsü is unlike any other dessert, a testament to Turkey’s rich culinary history and its ability to surprise and delight.
Turkish Tavuk Göğsü (Chicken Breast Pudding) Recipe
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients:
- 1 small boneless, skinless chicken breast (approx. 150g)
- 1 liter whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Directions
To begin, bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Add the chicken breast and cook for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Remove from water, let cool slightly, and shred the chicken very finely using your fingers, removing any remaining fibres. Authentic texture is achieved by shredding as finely as possible.
In a blender or food processor, combine the shredded chicken with a small amount of milk until smooth. This ensures a smoother texture without any chunks, giving the pudding its signature velvety consistency.
In a large saucepan, add the remaining milk, sugar, rice flour, and corn starch. Whisk together until smooth, making sure no lumps remain. This will ensure an even and creamy pudding base without any gritty texture.
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or clumping. Continue to cook for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble lightly.
Once the mixture has thickened, add the pureed chicken mixture to the saucepan. Stir well to combine, ensuring the chicken is fully incorporated. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the pudding reaches a thick, smooth consistency.
Add the vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring thoroughly to infuse a gentle sweetness that balances the flavours. Reduce the heat to low and let the pudding simmer for a couple more minutes.
Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a shallow pan for easier portioning. Allow the pudding to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to set completely.
To serve, sprinkle each portion with a light dusting of ground cinnamon, which enhances the subtle flavours of this unique dessert. Tavuk Göğsü can be enjoyed chilled as a light, aromatic dessert with a fascinating creamy texture. Serve with Turkish coffee or tea for an authentic experience.
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