Guardanapos de Catalunya (Catalan-style Guardanapos)

Ingredients

In this Catalan adaptation of Guardanapos, we incorporate the distinct flavors and ingredients of Catalan cuisine. The original Argentinian recipe typically uses beef, but we enhance it with Catalan spices and herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Additionally, we replace the traditional Argentinian filling with a combination of sautéed vegetables and local Catalan cheese, giving the dish a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Guardanapos, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 zucchini, finely chopped 1 zucchini, finely chopped
• 100g (3.5 oz) Catalan cheese, grated 100g (3.5 oz) Catalan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
3. 3.
   Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. 4.
   Lay out the beef slices and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the vegetable mixture and grated Catalan cheese on each beef slice.
6. 6.
   Roll up the beef slices tightly, securing them with toothpicks if needed.
7. 7.
   Place the rolled beef in a baking dish and add the bay leaves.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove the toothpicks before serving.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy the Catalan twist on Guardanapos!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose thinly sliced beef sirloin for easier rolling and quicker cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, marinate the beef slices in the herb mixture for 1-2 hours before rolling.
• Experiment with different types of Catalan cheese, such as Garrotxa or Mahón, for unique flavor variations.
• Serve Guardanapos de Catalunya with a side of Catalan tomato bread for a complete Catalan culinary experience.
• If toothpicks are not available, you can use kitchen twine to secure the rolled beef.

Serving advice

Serve Guardanapos de Catalunya as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an added touch of color and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Guardanapos on a platter, showcasing their golden brown exterior. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with confidence and let the flavors speak for themselves.