German Rouladen

Description

German Rouladen is a classic comfort food featuring thinly sliced beef rolled around bacon, onions, pickles, and mustard, then braised to tender perfection in a rich gravy. It’s an excellent dish for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Rouladen:

• 8 thin slices of beef (top round or rump, about ¼ inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 dill pickles, cut into quarters lengthwise
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup dry red wine (optional, or substitute with additional broth)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Rolls

1. Lay the beef slices on a flat surface. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each slice.
3. Place a slice of bacon, a few onion slices, and a pickle quarter on each piece of beef.
4. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

Step 2: Brown the Rouladen

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
2. Roll the beef in flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Sear the rouladen on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until golden.
2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Deglaze the pan with red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits, then add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.

Step 4: Braise the Rouladen

1. Return the browned rouladen to the skillet, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
2. Cover and simmer gently on the stovetop or in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy

1. Remove the rouladen and keep warm.
2. Discard the bay leaves. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the gravy and simmer until thickened.

Step 6: Serve

1. Return the rouladen to the skillet to warm through.
2. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, red cabbage, or spaetzle, and plenty of gravy.

Tips:

• Thinly sliced beef is essential; ask your butcher to slice it for rouladen.
• For extra flavor, marinate the beef in a bit of red wine and garlic before assembly.
• Make this dish ahead of time—the flavors improve as it sits!

Total Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (per roulade, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 28g

Enjoy the hearty and savory flavors of this traditional German Rouladen recipe!