Moscow Bahn Mi

courtesy of Food and Wine Magazine "Farmstead chicken is the star ingredient in a Moscow bahn mi, a riff on a classic Vietnamese sandwich. What makes it Russian? The chopped beets and horseradish mayonnaise that are layered with the chicken, lettuce, and vinegary carrots." Prep time includes cook time.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 8 sandwiches

Ingredients

• 4  large carrots, finely julienned
• 1  tablespoon sugar
• 3  tablespoons cider vinegar
•  salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 3  tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1  lb beet, peeled and finely julienned
• 1⁄2 small red onion, cut into slivers
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
• 3  tablespoons  prepared horseradish, drained and squeezed dry
• 1 1⁄2 lbs chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
• 2  French baguettes
• 8  lettuce leaves, large green leaf

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the carrots with the sugar and 2 tablespoons of the vinegar over moderate heat, tossing, until barely softened, 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Spread on a plate and refrigerate until chilled.
2. Wipe out skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in it. Add the beets and onion and cook over moderate heat for 1 minute. Add the remaining vinegar and 1/4 cup of water, cover and cook until the beets are crisp-tender and dry, 5 minutes. Spread the beets and onion on a plate, season with salt and pepper and refrigerate until chilled.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°. Light a grill. In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and horseradish. Brush the chicken with the remaining oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat, turning once, until lightly charred, 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool slightly. Cut crosswise into strips.
4. Toast the baguettes in the oven for 5 minutes, until crusty. Split and cut each baguette into 4 lengths. Spread the mayonnaise on the bread and top with the beets and onion. Top with the chicken, carrots and lettuce. Close the sandwiches and serve.