Italian Braciole Recipe: A Flavorful Journey to Italy
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy? Then prepare yourself for this authentic Italian Braciole recipe, a dish bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe focuses on simplicity and fresh ingredients, letting the natural flavors of the beef shine through.
What are Braciole?
Braciole, also known as braciole di manzo, are thin slices of beef, typically rolled around a savory filling and then simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. The result is incredibly tender meat, infused with the aromatic herbs and spices of the filling, and enveloped in a luscious, flavorful sauce. It's a dish that's both elegant and comforting, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to recreate even if you're not an experienced cook.
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick – ask your butcher to help!)
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Braciole:
- Pound the beef: Gently pound the beef slices to an even thinner consistency, ensuring they're all roughly the same size. This helps with even cooking.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the Pecorino Romano cheese, parsley, garlic, bread crumbs, egg, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the Braciole: Spread a spoonful of the filling evenly onto each beef slice. Tightly roll each slice into a cylinder, tucking in the ends to prevent the filling from escaping. Secure each roll with toothpicks.
Simmering to Perfection:
- Sear the Braciole: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the Braciole on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor.
- Add the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer gently: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
- Remove toothpicks: Before serving, carefully remove the toothpicks from the Braciole.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious Italian Braciole over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. The rich sauce is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Pecorino Romano cheese before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Use quality beef: The flavor of the beef significantly impacts the final dish.
- Don't overfill the rolls: Too much filling can make the Braciole difficult to roll and may cause them to burst during cooking.
- Low and slow: Simmering the Braciole on low heat ensures tender and flavorful meat.
- Taste and adjust: Season the sauce to your liking. You can add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or adjust the herbs to your preference.
Enjoy this authentic taste of Italy! Buon Appetito!
