Italian Stuffed Beef Rolls with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 beef slices, thinly cut (120g each, 4.2oz) 4 beef slices, thinly cut (120g each, 4.2oz)
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional) 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional) 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 18g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (4g sugars)
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, pine nuts (if using), raisins (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Lay the beef slices flat and evenly divide the breadcrumb mixture among them, spreading it over the surface of each slice.
3. 3.
   Roll up each beef slice tightly and secure with toothpicks to hold the rolls together.
4. 4.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
5. 5.
   Place the beef rolls in the skillet and brown them on all sides.
6. 6.
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and red wine. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef rolls are tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Remove the toothpicks from the beef rolls before serving.
9. 9.
   Serve the Braciola with the tomato sauce spooned over the top. It pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Breadcrumbs — For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Parmesan cheese — If you follow a dairy-free diet, you can replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.
• Pine nuts — Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden brown, to enhance their nutty flavor.
• Raisins — Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before using to plump them up and add a touch of sweetness to the stuffing.
• Crushed tomatoes — If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use tomato passata instead of crushed tomatoes.

Tips & Tricks

• Tenderize the beef slices by pounding them lightly with a meat mallet to ensure they are thin and easy to roll.
• Let the Braciola simmer on low heat for a longer time to allow the flavors to develop and the beef to become tender.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the beef rolls from the skillet once cooked and simmer the sauce uncovered for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices in the stuffing mixture, such as thyme or rosemary, to add your own twist to the recipe.
• Leftover Braciola can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Serving advice

Serve the Braciola hot, spooning the tomato sauce generously over the beef rolls. Accompany it with your choice of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds an extra touch of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Braciola on a serving platter, placing them side by side with the tomato sauce drizzled over them. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color. Serve with a side of pasta or bread and a simple green salad to create an enticing and well-balanced plate.