Homemade italian braciole

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Difficulty Level: Medium

Introduction:

Braciole, an iconic Italian dish, is a family favorite for a reason. The word “braciole” refers to thin cuts of meat that are stuffed, rolled, and simmered in a savory tomato sauce. Often made with beef, pork, or veal, this dish is a comforting and flavorful meal, traditionally served with pasta. The meat is stuffed with a delicious mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, cheese, and herbs, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender. This Homemade Italian Braciole recipe will guide you through making this classic dish from scratch, providing a delightful meal for family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Braciole:

4 thin slices of beef (preferably top round or flank steak, about 1/4 inch thick)
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs (preferably made from Italian bread)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional if using fresh herbs in braciole)
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup red wine (optional but adds depth of flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling for the Braciole

In a small bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, parsley, basil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well-combined. The breadcrumbs should soak up the moisture from the herbs and cheeses, forming a flavorful stuffing.

Step 2: Assemble the Braciole

Lay the thin beef slices flat on a clean surface, and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place a spoonful of the breadcrumb mixture in the center of each slice of beef. Be careful not to overstuff, as you need to be able to roll the meat.

Once stuffed, carefully roll each slice of beef tightly, securing the ends with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling in place. Repeat this process for all the beef slices.

Step 3: Sear the Braciole

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the braciole to the pan. Sear the rolls for 2-3 minutes per side until they are nicely browned. This step adds depth and flavor to the braciole. Once seared, remove the braciole from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil (if using), and sugar (if desired). Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using red wine, add it at this stage and let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly and incorporate the flavors.

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the seared braciole to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the braciole.

Step 5: Simmer the Braciole

Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the braciole simmer in the sauce for 1 to 1.5 hours. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together, and the meat to become tender and juicy.

Occasionally check on the sauce, adding a little water or more tomato sauce if it begins to thicken too much. You want the sauce to remain somewhat liquid for serving over pasta or with crusty bread.

Step 6: Remove the Toothpicks or Twine

Once the braciole is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine from the braciole rolls.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the braciole hot, with plenty of sauce. Traditionally, braciole is served with pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni, and sometimes with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. Spoon the tomato sauce over the pasta and top with the tender braciole for a hearty meal.

Tips for Success:

Meat Selection: Use thinly sliced beef that will roll easily, such as top round or flank steak. If you’re looking for a more tender result, you can ask your butcher for beef that’s already sliced thin for braciole.
Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs are preferred for the filling, as they help absorb the moisture from the meat and sauce. If you don’t have fresh bread, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs but ensure they’re of good quality.
Wine in Sauce: Adding red wine to the sauce enhances the depth of flavor, but it’s optional. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, simply leave it out and add a bit more water or broth to the sauce.
Slow Cooking: Don’t rush the simmering process. The longer the braciole simmers in the sauce, the more tender and flavorful it will become. Aim for a minimum of 1 hour of simmering.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

(Based on 4 servings, without pasta or bread)

Calories: 380 kcal
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 32g

(Note: The nutritional content will vary depending on portion size, the type of beef used, and whether the dish is served with pasta or bread.)

Conclusion:

Homemade Italian Braciole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings the authentic flavors of Italy to your kitchen. With tender meat, a flavorful breadcrumb stuffing, and a rich, aromatic tomato sauce, this dish will transport you to the heart of Italian cuisine. Whether served with pasta, bread, or a simple side salad, it’s the perfect meal for family gatherings, special occasions, or any time you want to enjoy a satisfying, homemade Italian dinner.

Take your time with the simmering process to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. The result is a dish that will become a beloved favorite in your home. Buon appetito!