Rouladen

Rouladen Recipe - Authentic German Beef Rolls with Bacon and Pickles

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rouladen is a traditional German dish that consists of thinly pounded beef steaks rolled up with bacon, pickles, and onions, then simmered in a flavorful gravy. This dish is hearty, savory, and perfect for a comforting meal.

History

Rouladen has its origins in Germany and is a popular dish in many German households. It is often served during special occasions and holidays, as it is a dish that brings people together around the dinner table. The combination of tender beef, salty bacon, tangy pickles, and savory gravy makes Rouladen a beloved classic in German cuisine.

Ingredients

4 thin sirloin tip steaks
8 slices of bacon
8 slices of dill pickles (sliced lengthwise)
1 diced onion
German mustard or brown mustard
salt
pepper
0.25 cup of vegetable oil
3 cups of beef broth
0.25 cup of tomato paste
0.25 cup of half-and-half
0.25 cup of evaporated skim milk

How to prepare

Pound the steaks with a meat tenderizer or mallet until they are approximately 0.13 inches thick.
Season the steaks with salt and pepper.
Spread a thick layer of mustard on one side of each steak.
Place two slices of bacon and two pickle slices on each steak.
Divide the onion evenly among each steak.
Starting from the narrowest end of each steak, tightly roll them (jelly roll style) and secure with string.
Heat oil in a heavy saucepan.
Brown the meat rolls well on all sides.
Add about 1 cup of water to the saucepan, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours. Add more water if needed.
Remove the meat from the pan. Add the beef broth to the liquid in which the meat was cooked.
Continue boiling until the liquid is reduced by one third of its original size.
Whisk in tomato paste, half and half, and evaporated skim milk, being careful not to let it boil (to avoid curdling).
Season with salt and pepper.
Return the meat to the pan and warm through.

Variations

Substitute pork or veal for the beef in the recipe.
Add a slice of cheese inside the Rouladen for a gooey, melty surprise.
Use different types of pickles, such as sweet gherkins or spicy dills, for a unique flavor twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pound the steaks thinly and evenly to ensure they cook evenly and are tender.

- Use German mustard for an authentic flavor, but you can also use Dijon mustard as a substitute.

- Secure the rolled steaks with kitchen twine to keep them from falling apart during cooking.

- Simmer the Rouladen gently to ensure the meat stays tender and the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Rouladen is traditionally served with potato dumplings, spaetzle, or mashed potatoes, and a side of red cabbage or sauerkraut.

Cooking Techniques

Pound the steaks thinly and evenly for tender Rouladen.

- Brown the meat rolls well before simmering to develop flavor.

- Simmer the Rouladen gently to ensure the meat stays tender and the flavors meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Dijon mustard instead of German mustard.

- Substitute chicken or turkey bacon for pork bacon.

- Use regular milk or cream instead of half-and-half and evaporated skim milk.

Make Ahead Tips

Rouladen can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to cook. This makes it a great dish for entertaining or busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Rouladen on a platter with the gravy spooned over the top, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Rouladen pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Rouladen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rouladen contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

Rouladen is a low-carb dish, with each serving containing approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rouladen contains approximately 20 grams of fat, primarily from the bacon and vegetable oil used in cooking.

Proteins

Rouladen is a protein-rich dish, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of protein from the beef and bacon.

Vitamins and minerals

Rouladen is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

Rouladen contains dairy (half-and-half and evaporated skim milk) and may contain gluten if served with traditional sides like spaetzle or dumplings.

Summary

Rouladen is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a hearty and satisfying dish.

Summary

Rouladen is a classic German dish that is hearty, savory, and perfect for a comforting meal. With tender beef, salty bacon, tangy pickles, and a rich gravy, Rouladen is a dish that is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, still learning the ropes in the kitchen. I had always loved cooking, and I was always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try out.

One day, as I was rummaging through an old recipe book that had belonged to my mother, I stumbled upon a recipe for Rouladen. I had never heard of it before, but the description sounded delicious - thinly sliced beef stuffed with onions, pickles, and mustard, then rolled up and cooked to perfection. I knew I had to give it a try.

I asked my mother about the recipe, and she told me that it had been passed down through the generations in our family. It was a traditional German dish, she explained, and one that had always been a favorite at family gatherings. She showed me how to make it, guiding me through each step with patience and care.

I was eager to try it out for myself, so I gathered the ingredients and set to work. I carefully sliced the beef into thin strips, pounded them out to make them even thinner, and then spread them with mustard. I added a layer of onions and pickles, then rolled them up tightly and secured them with toothpicks.

As the Rouladen cooked in the oven, the savory aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When they were finally done, I couldn't wait to taste them. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor - the tangy pickles, the sharp mustard, the tender beef. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Rouladen countless times, perfecting the recipe and making it my own. I have added my own twist to it, experimenting with different fillings and seasonings. Each time I make it, I am brought back to that first time I discovered the recipe, and I am filled with a sense of pride and joy.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it down to the next generation just as it was passed down to me. It has become a beloved tradition in our family, a dish that always brings us together around the table.

As I look back on that day when I first found the recipe for Rouladen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking that has been passed down through the generations in my family. It is a gift that I will always cherish, a gift that brings me joy and fulfillment every time I step into the kitchen.

And so, as I prepare to make Rouladen once again, I do so with love in my heart and a smile on my face, grateful for the memories that this recipe has brought me and the joy that it continues to bring to those I share it with. Cooking is truly a gift, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pass it on to future generations.