Oma's Best Rouladen: Classic German Beef Rolls

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some german comfort food ? ever dreamt of rolling up little parcels of happiness? these easy german recipes include beef recipes for dinner .

My oma's rouladen recipe is calling your name! tender beef, tangy pickles, smoky bacon... honestly, what's not to love?

Brief Overview

Rouladen, a staple of authentic german cuisine , are like a hug in a roll. originating in germany, this dish involves thinly sliced beef wrapped around savory fillings.

It's a medium difficulty recipe, taking about 2.5- 3 hours. it typically yields 4-6 servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

This traditional german food is packed with protein and iron, giving you a real energy boost. rouladen are the perfect main course for a cosy dinner.

This recipe brings a taste of oma's kitchen to your table, making it extra special.

What You'll Need

Right, let's gather the troops! for the rolls themselves, you'll need thin beef steaks. think about 500-700g of it, bacon, onions, and those crucial dill pickles, without that it would not be an oktoberfest food .

Then, german mustard to slather on the beef. don't forget salt, pepper, and a touch of flour for searing.

For the braising liquid, grab some more onions, carrots, and celery. garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, and red wine if you are feeling fancy.

A bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika will add that extra oomph.

Gear Up

You'll need a meat mallet for tenderising the beef. a large skillet or dutch oven with a lid is essential for braising.

Kitchen twine or toothpicks will keep those rolls snug. now, ready to embark on some hearty german recipes adventure? i think so!

Right, let's get stuck in making oma's best rouladen ! this classic german comfort food is proper lush. it's all about thinly sliced beef wrapped around yummy bits, then cooked low and slow till it's fall-apart tender.

Honestly, it's like a big hug on a plate. think it's hard? nah, just follow along. i swear, it's well worth the effort!

Oma's Best Rouladen: Classic German Beef Rolls Recipe Card

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:02 Hrs 15 Mins

Servings:4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 thin beef round steaks (about 4-6 oz each), pounded to 1/4 inch thickness (approx. 500-700g)
• 6 slices bacon, cut in half (approx. 150g)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (approx. 200g)
• 6 dill pickles (gherkins), quartered lengthwise (approx. 150g)
• 4 tablespoons German mustard (or Dijon), divided (approx. 60ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (approx. 30ml)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (approx. 30g)
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped (approx. 200g)
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (approx. 150g)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 100g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (approx. 15g)
• 2 cups beef broth (approx. 475ml)
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, but recommended) (approx. 240ml)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions:

• Lay the beef steaks on a cutting board and season with salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of mustard on each steak.
• Layer 2 bacon halves, a small amount of chopped onion, and 2 pickle spears onto each steak. Roll tightly, starting from one end, and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
• Heat the vegetable oil in the skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Dredge the rouladen in flour, shaking off any excess. Sear the rouladen on all sides until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the coarsely chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute.
• Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using) to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer.
• Nestle the seared rouladen into the braising liquid. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the rouladen. Add more broth if needed.
• Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2-2.5 hours, or until the rouladen are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
• Remove the rouladen from the skillet and set aside. If desired, thicken the gravy by removing some of the braising liquid and whisking in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water. Return the slurry to the skillet and simmer until the gravy thickens.
• Remove the twine or toothpicks from the rouladen. Serve hot, spooning the gravy over the rouladen.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:25-35g

Fiber:N/A

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:German

Ingredients & Equipment

So, here’s what you need to create some authentic German cuisine ! I've also got tips for subs if you're missing something.

Main Ingredients

• Beef: 6 thin beef round steaks ( 4-6 oz each, or around 500-700g total). you need to get these thin.

  Pound them to 1/4 inch thickness. pounding's important! it tenderizes the beef. it's also essential for rolling them up.

• Bacon: 6 slices, cut in half ( 150g roughly). Proper smoked bacon adds so much flavour.

• Onion: 1 large, finely chopped ( 200g ). Go for a brown or yellow one.

• Pickles: 6 dill pickles (gherkins), quartered lengthwise ( 150g about). These give that classic tang.

• Mustard: 4 tablespoons German mustard (or Dijon, if you're stuck, 60ml ). German mustard is the bee's knees for German recipes .

• Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ( 30ml )

• Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ( 30g ).

• Veggies for Braising: 1 large onion (coarsely chopped, 200g ), 2 carrots (chopped, 150g ), 2 celery stalks (chopped, 100g ), 2 cloves garlic (minced).

• Liquids: 2 cups beef broth ( 475ml ), 1 cup dry red wine (optional, 240ml ).

• Spices: Bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.

Beef quality matters for beef recipes easy . Look for good marbling. That's what makes the rouladen tender.

Seasoning Notes

For traditional german food , certain flavors just work . smoked paprika is key for that authentic smokiness. thyme adds a subtle earthiness.

Don't skip the bay leaf! it adds depth to the gravy. honestly, even a little paprika will enhance your beef recipes for dinner .

If you don't have smoked paprika, use regular paprika, but add a tiny dash of liquid smoke. it's available online or even a teaspoon of bacon fat if you're really desperate.

You could also play around with it to adapt it to some hearty german recipes .

Equipment Needed

• Meat mallet (or rolling pin – be creative!).
• Large skillet or Dutch oven (with a lid).
• Kitchen twine or toothpicks.

Don't have a mallet? use a rolling pin, or even the bottom of a heavy pan. a dutch oven is best for braising.

But a deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid works too. just make sure it's oven-safe!

So there you have it. All you need for some proper German dinner recipes . Now, let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Braising Our Way to Rouladen Heaven

Right, so we're tackling braising today. and not just any braising, but braising rouladen ! honestly, this is one of my favourite german recipes .

It's a little like a hug in a beef roll. ever had that feeling?

Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together

First things first, mise en place is your best mate. chop your onions, quarter your pickles. think of it like prepping for a battle.

..a delicious battle for your taste buds. get that beef nice and thin too. pounding is key! don’t skip it, or you'll be chewing all day.

Speaking of safety, mind your fingers with that meat mallet. no one wants a trip to a&e!

Step-by-Step Process: Let's Get Rolling

1. Lay out your beef slices. Season them.
2. Slather with German mustard – about 2 teaspoons per steak.
3. Pile on 2 slices bacon , some onions, and 2 pickle spears .
4. Roll 'em up tight! Secure with twine or toothpicks.
5. Sear those babies in a hot pan with oil until golden brown. Mmm, that's how to build flavor.
6. Sauté your veg in the same pan. Think onions, carrots, celery. Let them soften.
7. Deglaze with beef broth and red wine (2 cups and 1 cup) . Add spices.
8. Nestle the rouladen in the braising liquid. Simmer for 2-2. 5 hours on low.

Pro Tips: Secrets to Success

Don't overfill the rouladen. seriously! they'll burst. it's happened to me. trust me on this one. browning the beef is absolutely vital.

It builds flavour like nobody's business. and don't rush the braising. low and slow is the name of the game.

Honestly? this german dinner recipes tastes even better the next day. the flavors just meld together. like a fine wine! we love beef recipes for dinner , especially beef recipes easy but still taste great.

I reckon rouladen are like the traditional german food that reminds you of home, like german comfort food . you know? that feeling of authentic german cuisine .

Maybe it is because oktoberfest food is similar in style. whatever the reason, this is great and easy german recipes you can try today.

There are many hearty german recipes but this dish takes the cake!

So, give it a go! It might seem a bit fiddly but you will get better with each attempt. Besides, even if they don't look perfect, they'll taste amazing. Guten Appetit!

Recipe Notes for Oma's Best Rouladen

Right, so you're tackling german recipes and giving authentic german cuisine a go with these rouladen? brilliant! here are a few extra bits and bobs that will really help you nail it.

Honestly, i wish someone had told me these when i first started making them.

Serving Suggestions Fit For A King

Plating is key, innit? for that proper german dinner recipes vibe, serve these babies up with creamy mashed potatoes. think a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika.

A sprig of parsley doesn't hurt either! if you're feeling fancy, arrange the rouladen attractively.

Complementary sides? you can't go wrong with buttered green beans or some braised red cabbage. and don't forget the drinks! a crisp german pilsner goes down a treat.

Or even a dry riesling if you're feeling posh. this is truly oktoberfest food at its best.

Storage Tips For Leftover Rouladen

Refrigeration is your friend. Pop those leftover Rouladen in an airtight container. They'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days . Trust me, they're even better the next day!

Freezing? absolutely! these are beef recipes easy and freezable. just wrap them tightly in cling film, then foil. they'll keep for up to 3 months .

Defrost them fully in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating is a breeze. Either warm them gently in a saucepan on the hob with a bit of the gravy, or microwave them on low. Easy peasy!

Variations on a Theme

Looking for a Hearty German Recipes but with a twist?

Want a gluten-free version? No worries! Just use gluten-free flour for dredging. Also ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Got some other dietary adaptations? if you're feeling adventurous, try adding a clove of crushed garlic to each rouladen filling.

It gives it a proper kick. or, for a veggie option, try thick slices of eggplant or zucchini instead of beef.

Use smoked tofu instead of bacon.

Nutrition Basics. This is German Comfort Food after all!

Right, a quick rundown. we are estimating around 450-550 calories per serving. this includes approximately 40-50g of protein and 25-35g of fat.

We also calculate 15-20g of carbohydrates. please be aware that these are estimates. the values will vary based on your specific ingredients.

Rouladen are packed with protein. the beef provides iron and b vitamins. honestly though, the best health benefit is the sheer joy of eating such a comforting dish!

So there you have it! now go forth and conquer those rouladen. i'm telling you, once you've got the hang of it, you'll be churning out traditional german food like a pro! plus, the result will be delicious beef recipes for dinner.

You got this!