Delicate Chicken Pressed Ham (Sunca Presata de Pui)

A refined, tender pressed chicken ham inspired by the delicate texture of Prague ham, perfect for gourmet sandwiches or charcuterie boards.

Steps

1. Blend the chicken breast in a food processor until smooth. 2. Dissolve gelatin powder in cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. 3. Mix the bloomed gelatin with the chicken paste along with salt, sugar, white pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. 4. Lay out a piece of cheesecloth and spread the chicken mixture evenly. 5. Wrap the chicken mixture tightly in the cheesecloth, forming a log shape. 6. Place the wrapped chicken under a heavy weight or press to compact it. 7. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to set. 8. Once set, unwrap and slice thinly to serve chilled or lightly seared.

150g boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp sugar 1/4 tsp ground white pepper 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp smoked paprika 1 tbsp cold water 1 tsp gelatin powder Cheesecloth or muslin cloth Weights or heavy press