Beef Rouladen: A Traditional German Delight

 

 Beef Rouladen is a classic German dish, known for its rich flavor and comforting taste. This hearty meal consists of thinly sliced beef, rolled around a savory filling of bacon, onions, pickles, and mustard, then braised to perfection. It's a dish perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

 

Ingredients:

4 slices of beef, thinly cut (about 1/4 inch thick)

4 teaspoons of German mustard

4 slices of bacon

1 large onion, thinly sliced

4 dill pickles, quartered lengthwise

2 tablespoons of oil

1 cup of beef broth

1/2 cup of red wine

1 teaspoon of paprika

2 bay leaves

4 juniper berries (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Beef: Lay the beef slices flat and spread each with 1 teaspoon of mustard. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the Filling: Place a slice of bacon, some onion slices, and a quartered pickle on one end of each beef slice.

Roll Up: Roll up the beef tightly and secure it with kitchen twine or rouladen needles.

Sear: Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the rouladen on all sides until browned.

Braise: Add the beef broth, red wine, paprika, bay leaves, and juniper berries (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and braise for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Make Gravy: Remove the rouladen from the pot. If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a little cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water) and simmer until thickened.

Serve: Remove the twine or needles from the rouladen. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.