In the heart of Italian cuisine lies a dish that encapsulates the essence of comfort, tradition, and the joy of family gatherings: Beef Braciole. This classic dish, with its origins steeped in the rich culinary traditions of Italy, is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the art of cooking with love.
Beef Braciole, or “Braciola” in the singular, refers to thin slices of beef rolled with a filling of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, then simmered to perfection in a savory tomato sauce. It’s a dish that brings a piece of Italian heritage to your table, inviting you to savor each bite and each moment.
Ingredients:
- 6 thin slices of beef top round or flank steak
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups of your favorite marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, raisins, and pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will bring a burst of flavors and textures to the beef.
- Prepare the Beef: Lay out the beef slices on a flat surface. Pound them gently with a meat mallet to ensure uniform thickness. Sprinkle each slice with salt and pepper.
- Fill and Roll: Spoon an even layer of the breadcrumb mixture onto each beef slice. Roll up the slices tightly and secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Brown the Braciole: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the braciole on all sides, then remove them from the skillet.
- Simmer: In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Return the braciole to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks or twine, and serve the braciole with a generous spoonful of the marinara sauce. It pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, or a simple side of roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Beef Braciole is more than just a dish; it’s a journey through the flavors and traditions of Italy, right in the comfort of your own home. Each bite of the tender beef, infused with the aromatic filling and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, tells a story of family, love, and the simple pleasures of a well-cooked meal. Whether for a Sunday dinner, a special occasion, or simply a desire to explore the depths of Italian cuisine,
Beef Braciole is a dish that warms the heart and delights the palate. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bring a taste of Italy to your table with this timeless recipe. Buon appetite!
Essential Tools & Ingredients for Beef Braciole
To make your Beef Braciole experience as authentic and enjoyable as possible, we’ve compiled a list of recommended tools and ingredients that can be found on Amazon. If you decide to purchase any of the items through the links provided below, we may earn a small commission. This helps support our content, and we appreciate your contribution.
- Meat Mallet: A must-have for tenderizing and flattening your beef slices, ensuring they’re ready for rolling and stuffing.
- Kitchen Twine or Toothpicks: Secure your beef rolls effectively with high-quality kitchen twine or toothpicks, keeping all that delicious filling where it belongs.
- Olive Oil: The right olive oil can elevate your dish, adding depth and flavor to your cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese: Opt for a block of premium Parmesan cheese for fresher, bolder flavors in your filling.
- Skillet: A durable, reliable skillet is crucial for browning your braciole to perfection before simmering.
- Marinara Sauce: For those times when homemade isn’t an option, a jar of high-quality marinara sauce can be a great time-saver.
Each of these items has been selected to help you create a delicious Beef Braciole with ease and authenticity. Happy cooking, and thank you for your support!
