Mastazzola di Riesi - A Delectable Twist on Italian Delicacy

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Mastazzola di Riesi, we have incorporated elements of Western European cuisine to create a unique fusion dish. While the original Italian recipe uses traditional Italian cheeses and herbs, we have introduced a variety of Western European cheeses and herbs to add depth and complexity to the filling. Additionally, the cooking technique has been modified to sear the beef rolls, giving them a golden crust and enhancing the flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Mastazzola di Riesi, so you can check it out.

• 8 thin beef slices (approximately 500g / 1.1 lb) 8 thin beef slices (approximately 500g / 1.1 lb)
• 150g (5.3 oz) cream cheese 150g (5.3 oz) cream cheese
• 100g (3.5 oz) Gruyère cheese, grated 100g (3.5 oz) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 26g (16g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 2g (1g sugars)
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, grated Gruyère cheese, parsley, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Lay the beef slices flat on a clean surface. Divide the cheese and herb mixture equally among the slices, spreading it evenly over each slice.
3. 3.
   Roll up each beef slice tightly, securing it with toothpicks if necessary.
4. 4.
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef rolls and sear them on all sides until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
5. 5.
   Remove the beef rolls from the skillet and set them aside.
6. 6.
   In the same skillet, add the beef broth and butter. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Return the beef rolls to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, basting them with the pan sauce.
8. 8.
   Remove the beef rolls from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. 9.
   Serve the Savory Cheese and Herb Stuffed Beef Rolls with the pan sauce drizzled over the top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef slices — Choose thin slices of beef that are suitable for rolling. If you can't find pre-sliced beef, you can ask your butcher to slice it for you.
• Gruyère cheese — If Gruyère cheese is not available, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or Emmental cheese for a similar flavor profile.
• Fresh herbs — It is recommended to use fresh herbs for the best flavor. However, if fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the beef rolls easier to roll, you can lightly pound the beef slices with a meat mallet to flatten them.
• If you prefer a more pronounced garlic flavor, you can add an extra clove of minced garlic to the cheese and herb mixture.
• Serve the beef rolls with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• If you want to make the dish ahead of time, you can prepare the beef rolls and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Just make sure to remove them from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before cooking.
• If you want to add a touch of sweetness to the dish, you can drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the beef rolls before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Savory Cheese and Herb Stuffed Beef Rolls hot, accompanied by the delicious pan sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the beef rolls on a platter, placing them seam side down to showcase the golden crust. Drizzle the pan sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.