Beef Braciole – An Italian Classic with a Homely Touch

Beef Braciole – An Italian Classic with a Homely Touch

If you're looking for a heartwarming Italian dish to wow your family or guests, Beef Braciole is the perfect choice. This traditional favourite, rich with savoury flavours and a luscious tomato sauce, takes beef to a whole new level. In this blog post, we'll guide you through a step-by-step Beef Braciole recipe that brings the warmth of an Italian kitchen right into your home.

What is Beef Braciole?

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, it’s worth understanding what Beef Braciole actually is. Originating from southern Italy, Beef Braciole (pronounced brah-choh-lay) is thin slices of beef rolled with a stuffing of breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and sometimes eggs or cured meats. These rolls are then browned and simmered in a rich tomato sauce until they're melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef Braciole

To make authentic Beef Braciole, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 thin slices of beef top round (about 1/4 inch thick)

• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)

• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional, for a Sicilian touch)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Kitchen twine or toothpicks

• Olive oil for searing

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)

Every step in creating Beef Braciole is about layering flavour, so be sure to use quality ingredients for the best result.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated cheese, garlic, parsley, and pine nuts or raisins if using. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. This savoury filling is the heart of Beef Braciole, giving it depth and authentic Italian character.

Step 2: Pound and Season the Beef

Lay each slice of beef between two sheets of cling film and gently pound it with a meat mallet until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. This not only tenderises the beef but also ensures it rolls easily. Lightly season each slice with salt and pepper — just enough to enhance the flavour of the Beef Braciole.

Step 3: Roll the Braciole

Spoon a bit of the breadcrumb mixture onto each beef slice, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll each slice tightly like a jelly roll and secure the ends with kitchen twine or toothpicks. A good roll is key to a successful Beef Braciole, locking in all that rich filling.

Step 4: Brown the Beef Braciole

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Brown the beef rolls on all sides. This step is vital as it creates a deep caramelised crust that enhances the flavour of your Beef Braciole when it’s braised in sauce.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Once the beef rolls are browned, remove them from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Deglaze with red wine if using, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add the tomato sauce and stir. Bring it to a simmer before returning the Beef Braciole to the pan.

Step 6: Simmer Low and Slow

Cover and simmer the Beef Braciole on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef becomes. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or stock if the sauce gets too thick. This slow cooking method is what transforms Beef Braciole into a dish bursting with flavour and nostalgia.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the beef is fork-tender, remove the strings or toothpicks carefully. Serve the Beef Braciole with a generous spoonful of the rich tomato sauce over pasta, polenta, or even creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of cheese for that final flourish.

Tips for the Best Beef Braciole

For an even deeper flavour, you can prepare Beef Braciole a day ahead and reheat it the next day. The resting time allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully. Some families also add hard-boiled eggs or cured salami to the filling, giving the Beef Braciole a unique regional twist.

A Final Word on Beef Braciole

Whether you’re hosting a Sunday dinner or celebrating a special occasion, Beef Braciole brings a touch of old-world charm to the table. This dish isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about the care and time invested in every step. Once you try this recipe, Beef Braciole is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.

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