Julienne is a dish of French cuisine. In fact, the word "julienne" means a way of cutting food, but we are used to it being a delicate and flavorful appetizer of mushrooms and cheese with a rich creamy taste. There are many ways to prepare this dish, but the julienne recipe we're going to provide is a classic. It is quite simple to prepare, and the result is always impressive. We will also tell you about other ways to prepare julienne so that you can diversify this dish.
Julienne: A Classic Recipe Step-by-Step
The main characteristic of the classic Julienne is its delicate creamy flavor and texture. This appetizer is served in individual portions, typically in cocottes. The classic Julienne recipe uses button mushrooms, although over time, it has been made with other types of mushrooms.
Additionally, the classic recipe always includes béchamel sauce, not just cream or sour cream.
Julienne: Classic Recipe – What to Keep in Mind
When making Julienne, there are a few key points to keep in mind: the sautéed chicken with onions should fill no more than 2/3 of the cocotte. Mushrooms are placed on top of the chicken, and everything is then covered with sauce. The final touch is grated cheese, which turns into a golden crust when baked in the oven.
Julienne – Classic Recipe with Button Mushrooms
Let's prepare Julienne with the classic recipe:
- Chop the onion finely and sauté it in oil until transparent. Add chopped button mushrooms and cook until all the liquid evaporates.
- Cut the chicken into thin strips (julienne) and fry it in oil until golden.
- To prepare the sauce: in a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and stir until it lightly browns. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add salt and, if desired, a pinch of nutmeg. Once the sauce thickens, stir in sour cream (this step is optional).
- Combine the sautéed mushrooms, chicken fillet, and sauce. Season with black pepper and heat for a few more minutes.
- Transfer the mixture into cocottes or individual baking dishes. Sprinkle with grated cheese and place in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the cheese forms a golden crust.
Simple and delicious! Perfect for a festive table.
Julienne: Recipe with Mushrooms and Chicken
The classic Julienne is also made with mushrooms, but in this recipe, dry white mushrooms are used for added aroma and a savory flavor. First, prepare the mushrooms:
- Rinse the mushrooms in a colander under cold running water to remove dust and other impurities.
- Soak the mushrooms. Place them in a deep bowl and cover with warm water or milk. Let them soak for 1-2 hours to soften. If you have time, you can leave them in cold water overnight for a deeper flavor and aroma.
- Save the water. After soaking, drain the water, but don't discard it – it contains the mushroom flavor and can enhance your dish. Strain the water through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove any small particles.
- Chop the mushrooms. Cut them into pieces of your desired size.
After this, you can use the classic Julienne recipe above, but replace the button mushrooms with white mushrooms. This variation will be more aromatic and flavorful.
Simple Julienne: Skillet Recipe
Usually, Julienne is baked in the oven, but it can also be quickly made on the stovetop. Of course, Julienne made in a skillet won't have the cheesy crust, but the dish will still be delicious and can serve as a base for side dishes.
For frying, use a mix of oil and butter. The oil is convenient for frying, but butter adds a tender taste to the dish.
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken fillet
- 500g button mushrooms
- 2 tbsp oil
- 50g butter
- 200g sour cream
- 1 tbsp flour
- 100g heavy cream (15-20%)
- 1 large onion
- 150g cheese
- Parsley, salt, and pepper to taste
The skillet version is easier than the oven-baked one and a bit quicker to prepare.
Steps:
- First, slice and sauté the mushrooms in a pan.
- In a separate pan, sauté the chicken fillet, cut into cubes.
- Then add the onion to the chicken, and once it's cooked, add the mushrooms.
- Add 100g of flour, sour cream, and heavy cream to the pan.
- Once everything is ready, add grated hard cheese.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes, then add rosemary or parsley. Serve the skillet Julienne hot. It pairs well with croutons or pasta.
Mushroom Julienne – Recipe Preparation
Julienne can be made not only with chicken but also with mushrooms. For more variety, try adding several types of mushrooms. For example, a combination of button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, and white mushrooms works well in equal proportions.
Ingredients:
- Pour the sauce over the sautéed mushrooms and mix well.
- 100g button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, and white mushrooms (each)
- 70g onion
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 50-70g cheese
- 200ml cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2-3 tbsp oil
- Spices and salt to taste
Recipe:
- Finely chop the button mushrooms and onion. Crush the garlic and grate the cheese.
- Heat oil in a pan, add the onion, and sauté until transparent. Then add the garlic, mushrooms, salt, and spices. Cook until the mushrooms become soft.
- Lightly brown the flour in a dry pan until it turns a creamy shade. Add butter and stir.
- After 1-2 minutes, pour in the cream, stirring, and bring to a boil.
- Transfer the mushroom mixture into greased individual baking dishes. Sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake in a preheated 200°C (400°F) oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese turns golden.
Hearty Julienne: Recipe With Potatoes
Did you know that julienne can be not only a snack but also a full meal? Here's a recipe for julienne with potatoes, boiled chicken, and mushrooms! A great dish for dinner or a celebration.
Ingredients:
- 6 potatoes
- Fresh or canned mushrooms
- 1 chicken fillet
- 200 ml cream
- 100 ml milk
- 200 g cheese
- 1 tbsp flour
- Salt, pepper, garlic to taste
The recipe for julienne with potatoes can be adjusted a bit. You can boil the chicken fillet before baking or fry it in a pan.
Step-by-step recipe:
- Peel and dice the potatoes.
- Fry the potatoes in oil until almost done and transfer them to a baking dish.
- Boil or fry the chicken fillet.
- Fry the finely chopped onion and add the mushrooms.
- In a separate dry pan, toast the flour until it turns creamy in color.
- Add milk to the flour and stir, bringing the mixture to a thick consistency.
- Add the sauce to the chicken and mushrooms, then pour in the cream.
- Spread this mixture over the potatoes and top with grated cheese. Optionally, add herbs.
- Place the baking dish in a preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the potatoes are done.
Julienne: Recipe With Mushrooms in Tartlets
To make julienne with mushrooms in tartlets, you don't need a separate recipe. The only difference is that instead of cocottes, you will use tartlets, which are also edible.
Use the classic julienne recipe or a julienne recipe with fish or mushrooms as a base. Distribute the mixture into the tartlets and bake them just like you would in forms. You'll have a perfect snack for a festive table!
Unusual Recipe – Julienne with Fish
Don't like chicken, or want a unique combination of ingredients? Make julienne with fish! This simple recipe will surely impress you.
You will need:
- 250 g white fish
- 200 g shrimp
- 50 g cheese
- 50 g butter
- 200 g mushrooms
- 100 ml milk
- 200 ml cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 onion
- Salt, pepper, spices, and oil for frying
Steps how to cook:
- First, fry the onion and mushrooms as in the previous recipes.
- Then, cut the fish into large pieces, clean and chop the shrimp. In a deep saucepan, add the flour and fry until it changes color.
- Add milk and cream, then add the fish. Cook until the fish is done, then add the shrimp and cook for another 1 minute.
- Combine this mixture with the mushrooms and distribute it into forms. Top with grated cheese and bake for 10 minutes.
There are many variations of julienne recipes! What unites them is the simplicity of preparation and the incredible, delicate flavor!
Conclusion
Julienne is a versatile and exquisite dish that is suitable for both a festive table and a cozy family dinner. Thanks to the variety of recipes, everyone will find their perfect option, and the delicate creamy taste and ease of preparation will make julienne your favorite in cooking. Experiment and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Julienne
What Kind of Cheese Should be Used for Making Julienne?
You can use any cheese you like, but it should be of good quality to not spoil the flavor of the dish.
Can Cream Be Substituted in the Julienne Recipe, and With What?
Yes, cream can be replaced with sour cream, natural yogurt, milk, or even coconut milk if you want to give the dish a light exotic twist. However, sour cream or yogurt may add a slight tang.
How to Make Julienne if There Are No Cocottes or Tartlets?
You can use ceramic or metal muffin pans, small heat proof bowls, or even make julien in a large baking dish and then divide it into portions before serving.
What Spices Best Highlight the Flavor of Julienne?
Black pepper, nutmeg, dried garlic, thyme, paprika, or Provence herbs are ideal for julien. It's important to use spices in moderation so they don't overpower the main flavor.
