Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts

Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts Recipe from Israel

Region / culture: Israel | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for a special dinner or gathering. The combination of lean beef, onions, and pine nuts creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests. In this recipe, we will show you how to make these tasty meat rolls step by step.

History

Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of meat and nuts is a classic pairing in Middle Eastern cuisine, and this recipe showcases the rich flavors and textures of these ingredients. This dish is often served at special occasions and celebrations, making it a popular choice for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

2 medium onions, peeled and grated
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 kg lean lamb, minced very finely (can substitute beef)
salt and pepper to taste
4 tbsp pine nuts
1.5 tbsp margarine, melted
1.5 tbsp olive oil, melted
chopped parsley and lemon slices for garnish

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
In a mixing bowl, combine the onions, egg, and lamb.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
Knead the mixture vigorously by hand or in a food processor until it becomes very soft and pasty.
Divide the mixture into six equal portions and flatten each portion on a board into a rectangular shape, about 1 cm thick.
Place a row of pine nuts about 1 cm from the edges of the longer sides of each rectangle.
Roll each rectangle into a fat sausage shape, starting from the edge lined with pine nuts.
Arrange the six rolls in an ovenproof dish that is just large enough to hold all of them side by side.
Brush the rolls with the melted margarine and oil mixture, sprinkle with about 3 tbsp of water, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or longer, depending on the thickness of the rolls.
Transfer the meat rolls to a preheated serving dish, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, and serve hot, accompanied by rice or sautéed potatoes.

Variations

You can add spices such as cumin, paprika, or cinnamon to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
You can use ground lamb or chicken instead of beef for a different twist on this recipe.
You can add raisins or dried apricots to the meat mixture for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the meat mixture well to ensure that it is soft and pasty.

- Rolling the meat mixture into a sausage shape helps to keep the pine nuts secure inside the rolls.

- Brushing the rolls with a mixture of melted margarine and oil before baking helps to keep them moist and flavorful.

- Garnishing the meat rolls with chopped parsley and lemon slices adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts can be served with rice, sautéed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the meat mixture well helps to create a soft and pasty texture.

- Rolling the meat mixture into a sausage shape helps to keep the pine nuts secure inside the rolls.

- Baking the rolls in the oven helps to cook them evenly and retain their moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground lamb or chicken instead of beef in this recipe.

- You can use walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes it easy to have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to go when you need it.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the meat rolls on a platter and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts pairs well with a side of rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meat rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pine nuts) and eggs.

Summary

Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is perfect for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special dinner or gathering. The combination of lean beef, onions, and pine nuts creates a delicious and nutritious meal that is sure to impress your guests. Try making this recipe for your next dinner party or special occasion!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts. It was many years ago, during a trip to Italy with my husband. We were exploring the quaint streets of a small village when we stumbled upon a bustling outdoor market. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling meats filled the air, drawing us in like moths to a flame.

As we meandered through the market, we came across a small stand run by an elderly Italian woman. She had a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile that immediately put us at ease. On her stand, she had an array of homemade pastries and savory dishes, each more tempting than the last. It was then that I spotted the Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts.

The woman noticed my interest and beckoned me closer. In broken English, she explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family. She spoke passionately about the ingredients and the cooking process, her hands moving animatedly as she described how the flavors melded together to create a mouthwatering dish.

I was captivated by her enthusiasm and knew that I had to learn how to make these Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts. With a smile, she handed me a handwritten recipe on a yellowed piece of paper, dotted with grease stains and faded ink. I clutched it to my chest, grateful for the unexpected gift.

Back home, I set about recreating the dish in my own kitchen, following the instructions meticulously. The recipe called for a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, herbs, and, of course, pine nuts. I carefully rolled the meat mixture into small balls, each one stuffed with a generous spoonful of pine nuts before being wrapped in thin slices of prosciutto.

As the meat rolls baked in the oven, the savory aroma filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of that bustling market in Italy. When I finally took a bite of the finished dish, I was transported back to that moment, standing in front of the elderly Italian woman, her eyes sparkling with pride.

Over the years, I have made the Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts countless times, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that was gifted to me by that kind-hearted woman in the market.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the comforting smells of my kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to this recipe. It is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life come when we least expect them, hidden among the crowded streets of a foreign land.

And so, I will continue to make these Meat Rolls with Pine Nuts, each bite a reminder of that fateful day in Italy, and the joy of discovering a new recipe that has since become a beloved tradition in my own home.