Rice Florentine with Beef

Rice Florentine with Beef Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rice Florentine with Beef is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender beef with flavorful rice, spinach, and cheese. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a family meal.

History

The origins of Rice Florentine with Beef are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Italy, where Florence is known for its delicious and hearty cuisine. This dish combines classic Italian flavors with a modern twist, making it a popular choice for many home cooks.

Ingredients

0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp ground white pepper
0.5 tsp thyme
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups chopped spinach
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.33 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 eggs, beaten
0.33 cup chopped carrots
0.33 cup chopped celery
1 bay leaf
0.25 tsp black peppercorns
1 cup dry white wine

How to prepare

Season the beef with salt, garlic powder, ground pepper, and thyme. In a large bowl, combine rice, spinach, cheese, nuts, and eggs; spread the mixture evenly on the beef. Roll the beef and tie it with string at 1-inch intervals.
In a large roasting pan, combine onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, peppercorns, and wine; place the beef in the pan. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The pan juices can be thickened and served with the beef.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or ground turkey for the beef roast.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the rice mixture for added color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the beef well before rolling it with the rice mixture to ensure maximum flavor.

- Be sure to tie the beef securely with string to prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.

- Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes before slicing to ensure that the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice Florentine with Beef with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling the beef with the rice mixture ensures that the flavors meld together during cooking.

- Baking the beef in a roasting pan with wine and vegetables adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture.

- Substitute pine nuts or almonds for the walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Rice Florentine with Beef can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply remove from the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the beef and arrange on a platter with the pan juices drizzled over the top for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Rice Florentine with Beef with a glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice Florentine with Beef contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice Florentine with Beef contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rice Florentine with Beef contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Rice Florentine with Beef contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice Florentine with Beef is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and nuts (walnuts).

Summary

Rice Florentine with Beef is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice Florentine with Beef is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family meal. With a flavorful filling and tender beef, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was during a trip to Italy with my husband many years ago. We were dining at a small family-run restaurant in Florence, nestled in the heart of Tuscany. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the air, and I could hear the sizzle of meat on the grill.

As I perused the menu, one dish caught my eye: Rice Florentine with Beef. It sounded so exotic and delicious, I just had to try it. When the dish arrived at our table, I was mesmerized by the vibrant colors and the tantalizing scent that wafted up from the steaming plate. The rice was perfectly cooked, fluffy and fragrant, topped with tender strips of beef and a rich, creamy sauce.

I took my first bite and closed my eyes, savoring the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The combination of the savory beef, the creamy sauce, and the aromatic herbs was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

After our trip to Italy, I returned home with a newfound passion for cooking. I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to recreate the Rice Florentine with Beef that had captured my heart in Florence. I reached out to friends and family members who were skilled in the culinary arts, and asked for their advice and guidance.

One of my dearest friends, Maria, had a knack for Italian cuisine and graciously agreed to teach me the secrets of making the perfect Rice Florentine with Beef. She invited me over to her house one afternoon, and together we embarked on a culinary adventure that would forever change the way I cooked.

Maria showed me how to prepare the rice, using a blend of chicken broth and white wine to infuse it with flavor. She taught me how to marinate the beef in a mixture of garlic, herbs, and olive oil, to ensure it was tender and juicy. And she revealed the secret to making the creamy sauce that tied the whole dish together, using a combination of cream, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of nutmeg.

As we cooked together, Maria shared stories of her own culinary journey, and the recipes she had learned from her own grandmother. She spoke of the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the joy that came from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I hung on her every word, absorbing her wisdom and experience like a sponge.

By the time we sat down to enjoy our creation, I felt like a new woman. The Rice Florentine with Beef was even more delicious than I remembered, and I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in knowing that I had helped to create such a magnificent dish. Maria smiled at me across the table, her eyes twinkling with pride.

From that day forward, the recipe for Rice Florentine with Beef became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions, and it never failed to impress. Each time I cooked it, I was transported back to that little restaurant in Florence, and the magical moment when I first tasted its tantalizing flavors.

As the years passed, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who raved about its deliciousness and begged for the secret to my success. And through it all, I never forgot the lessons I had learned from Maria, about the power of good food to bring people together, and the joy that came from sharing a meal made with love.

Now, as I sit here recalling the story of how I learned to make Rice Florentine with Beef, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And though I may never return to that quaint little restaurant in Florence, the flavors and aromas of that fateful meal will always hold a special place in my heart.