Somali-style Stuffed Beef Rolls

Ingredients

In this Somali adaptation, the traditional Italian Tomaxelle is transformed by incorporating Somali spices and flavors. The original dish typically includes ingredients like Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs like parsley and basil. In the Somali-style Stuffed Beef Rolls, these ingredients are replaced with fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, along with the addition of onions, garlic, and bell peppers to enhance the flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Tomaxelle, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef slices, thinly cut 500g (1.1 lb) beef slices, thinly cut
• 1 cup (200g) cooked rice 1 cup (200g) cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Lay out the beef slices and place a spoonful of the rice mixture on each slice. Roll up the beef tightly, securing it with toothpicks if needed.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef rolls and sear them on all sides until browned.
4. 4.
   Pour the tomato sauce over the beef rolls and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the toothpicks from the beef rolls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
6. 6.
   Serve the Somali-style Stuffed Beef Rolls hot with a side of rice or bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef slices — Choose thinly cut beef slices to ensure they cook evenly and are easy to roll.
• Ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric — Toast the spices in a dry skillet for a few seconds before adding them to the rice mixture to enhance their flavors.
• Tomato sauce — Use a good quality tomato sauce or make your own by simmering fresh tomatoes with onions, garlic, and spices until thickened.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the rice mixture.
• For a more vibrant color, garnish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• If you don't have toothpicks, you can use kitchen twine to secure the beef rolls.
• Make extra tomato sauce and serve it on the side for dipping or drizzling over the beef rolls.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Somali-style Stuffed Beef Rolls as a main course accompanied by a side of fragrant Somali rice or traditional Somali bread, such as Anjero or Injera. Add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Somali-style Stuffed Beef Rolls on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, and drizzle some of the tomato sauce over the top. Serve with a side of rice or bread, and add a pop of color with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or sliced bell peppers.