Bollito Rifatto
Bollito Rifatto Recipe from Slovenia | Steak with Onions and Tomato Purée
Introduction
Bollito Rifatto, a classic Italian dish, is a testament to the ingenuity of traditional Italian cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a rich and comforting meal. This dish, which translates to "reboiled," is a clever way to repurpose leftover boiled meat, typically from a previous meal, by cooking it with onions, tomato purée, and olive oil. The result is a flavorful and hearty dish that embodies the essence of Italian home cooking.
History
The origins of Bollito Rifatto can be traced back to the Italian countryside, where resourcefulness in the kitchen was essential. Leftovers were rarely wasted, and cooks found creative ways to rejuvenate them. Bollito Rifatto was born out of this necessity, turning the remnants of a bollito misto, a traditional Italian boiled meat dish, into something new and delicious. Over time, it has become a beloved recipe in its own right, celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Heat the oil in a saucepan. Slice the onions and cook them over low heat until they are softened. Moisten with 1 cup of water.
- After 10 minutes, add the tomato puree. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Add the stewing steak, cut into small pieces. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes. Serve.
Variations
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the onions.
- Incorporate vegetables such as carrots and celery during the cooking process for added nutrition and flavor.
- Substitute the beef with leftover roast chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To achieve the best results with Bollito Rifatto, consider these tips:
- Use high-quality stewing steak for a richer flavor.
- Cook the onions slowly until they are caramelized, as this will add a natural sweetness to the dish.
- Be generous with the olive oil to ensure the dish is moist and flavorful.
- Allow the dish to simmer gently, so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bollito Rifatto with a side of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting and filling meal. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Cooking Techniques
Slow cooking is key to developing the flavors in Bollito Rifatto. Allow the dish to simmer gently, ensuring that the meat becomes tender and the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions
If stewing steak is not available, chuck roast or brisket can be used as alternatives.
- Tomato paste diluted with water can substitute for tomato purée if necessary.
Make Ahead Tips
Bollito Rifatto can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish Bollito Rifatto with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serving it in a deep dish or bowl can highlight the rich sauce and make for an inviting presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Barbera, pairs beautifully with Bollito Rifatto, complementing its rich flavors without overpowering the dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A serving of Bollito Rifatto contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a hearty meal option that can fit into a balanced diet, especially when served with a side of vegetables.
Carbohydrates
A serving of Bollito Rifatto contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the onions and tomato purée, providing a good source of dietary fiber and natural sugars.
Fats
This dish is relatively moderate in fats, with about 20 grams per serving. The olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy. Choosing lean cuts of stewing steak can help reduce the saturated fat content.
Proteins
Bollito Rifatto is an excellent source of protein, offering about 35 grams per serving. The stewing steak not only provides a substantial amount of protein but also contributes to the dish's rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the tomato purée and various B vitamins from the beef. It also contains iron, which is crucial for blood health, and potassium, which supports heart function.
Alergens
Bollito Rifatto is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten, making it suitable for individuals with these dietary restrictions. However, always check the ingredients list if you're using store-bought tomato purée to ensure it doesn't contain any added allergens.
Summary
Overall, Bollito Rifatto is a nutritious dish that balances proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for a hearty meal.
Summary
Bollito Rifatto is a classic Italian dish that showcases the beauty of simplicity in cooking. With its rich flavors, nutritional benefits, and versatility, it's a perfect example of how traditional recipes can be adapted to suit modern tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're looking to repurpose leftovers or simply craving a comforting meal, Bollito Rifatto is sure to satisfy.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known throughout the village for her delicious cooking. She taught me everything I know about cooking, and I am forever grateful for her guidance.
One day, Nonna Maria invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special dish called Bollito Rifatto. I had never heard of it before, but I was eager to learn. Nonna Maria explained that Bollito Rifatto is a traditional Italian dish made with leftover boiled meat, vegetables, and broth. She told me that it was a way to make use of every part of the meal and create a flavorful and comforting dish.
Nonna Maria began by showing me how to make the broth for the Bollito Rifatto. She took a large pot and filled it with water, then added a variety of vegetables including carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. She also threw in some herbs and spices, like bay leaves, peppercorns, and parsley. The smell of the simmering broth filled the kitchen, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.
Next, Nonna Maria showed me how to prepare the meat for the Bollito Rifatto. She explained that traditionally, the dish is made with leftover boiled meats such as beef, pork, and chicken. She took out some leftover meat from the refrigerator and began to shred it into bite-sized pieces. She then added the meat to the simmering broth, along with some more vegetables like cabbage and potatoes.
As the Bollito Rifatto simmered on the stove, Nonna Maria told me the story of how she learned to make the dish. She explained that she had first tasted Bollito Rifatto at a friend's house many years ago. She was so impressed by the dish that she asked her friend for the recipe, and she had been making it ever since.
Nonna Maria's version of Bollito Rifatto was truly something special. The meat was tender and flavorful, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the broth was rich and aromatic. As we sat down to eat the dish together, I knew that I had learned something truly valuable from my grandmother.
Over the years, I have made Nonna Maria's Bollito Rifatto many times. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and it has become a beloved dish in our household. Every time I make it, I am reminded of the day that Nonna Maria taught me how to prepare it, and I am grateful for her patience and guidance.
The memory of discovering this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the love and care that Nonna Maria put into everything she did, and it is a testament to the power of good food to bring people together. I will always cherish the time I spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the secrets of her delicious Bollito Rifatto.
Categories
| Beef Steak Recipes | Onion Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Slovenian Meat Dishes | Slovenian Recipes | Tomato Purée Recipes |