If you are a fan of hearty and comforting meat dishes, then try the classic German Rouladen. This iconic main dish has been a staple of German cuisine for generations. It is no surprise. It packs a ton of flavor, suitable for any occasion. Try this simple recipe and bring the flavors of Germany to your home.
What is Rouladen?
So, what exactly is Rouladen? At its core, it is a thin steak stuffed with ingredients, rolled up, and slow-cooked for hours until tender. The savory filling usually consists of bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles. These ingredients add a distinct and delightful flavor to the dish.
But why is it a classic? Well, Rouladen is a meal for any occasion. Whether hosting a dinner party or having a lazy Sunday at home, this dish hits the spot. It is delicious and relatively easy to make. While it takes some time to prepare, the recipe is not too complicated. Anyone can make it.
German Rouladen in Colorado Springs
As someone who enjoys this traditional German dish, I assure you it is not another ordinary meal. Rouladen consists of juicy and tender slices of beef, bacon, mustard, and pickles rolled up. The rolls simmer in a rich gravy until tender.
I had an experience with Rouladen during a winter trip in Colorado Springs. I stumbled upon a local spot that serves some of the best German food in town. As soon as the dish arrived at my table, my senses peaked. The appearance was delightful, and the aroma of savory meat was irresistible.
As I dug in, I noticed how each bite had delicious layers that complemented each other. The tender beef slices were juicy and flavorful, and the bacon added a smoky and salty note.
But what stole the show was the pickles and mustard. They gave the dish a tangy flavor that perfectly balanced out the richness of the meat and delicious gravy. The combination of flavors was divine, and I savored every bite.
Rouladen is a timeless classic that will never go out of style. It is a delicious German dish that you must try if you are in Colorado Springs. You will be glad you did.
Rouladen, a German Classic You Can Make at Home
To prepare Classic German Rouladen, you need beef, bacon, onions, carrots, pickles, and mustard. Beef broth, vegetables, and red wine help create the sauce, which adds more flavor to the dish. Once you have all the ingredients, it is time to get cooking!
First, lay out your beef slices. Layer each with bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles. Carefully roll up the beef and dredge them in flour. Hold them together with toothpicks or twine.
Next, heat some oil in a pan and sear the beef rolls on all sides until golden brown. Finally, add some vegetables, beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste to the pan. Let everything simmer for 1 hour until the rolls are tender enough to cut with a fork.
Rouladen may seem like a complicated dish. But it is easy to make. The hardest part is rolling them up, but once you get the hang of it, it is a breeze.
This dish is classic and comforting. Whether impressing guests or indulging in a hearty meal at home, this recipe is worth trying. So, gather your ingredients, put on an apron, and create a delightful and flavorful feast.
What's on the Side? Delicious Pairings for Classic German Rouladen
Rouladen is a dish full of flavor that always hits the spot. But what should you serve alongside this hearty dish to make it a feast fit for a king? Here are some delicious pairings that will take your Rouladen dinner to the next level.
Spaetzle:
These small, tender egg noodles complement Rouladen. They are easy to make from scratch using flour, eggs, and milk. They taste heavenly when served with a generous helping of gravy. Add some sautéed onions on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Red Cabbage:
Braised Red Cabbage is a traditional side dish that pairs well with Rouladen. The tangy and sweet flavors of the cabbage are a natural choice to serve with meat and gravy.
Roasted Potatoes:
A quick and easy side dish is Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes. The exterior is crispy, and the insides are nice and tender.
Green Beans:
No Rouladen feast is complete without a serving of vegetables. Simple steamed green beans are a perfect choice. They are healthy, quick, and easy to make.
German Potato Salad:
Potato salad is a staple in German cuisine. It is a great side dish for Classic German Rouladen. Serve it cold or warm, and make sure it has a tangy dressing and plenty of fresh herbs.
There are many delicious options when pairing side dishes with Classic German Rouladen. Whatever you decide to serve, you are in for a treat.
Classic German Rouladen Ingredients
Rouladen:
- 6-thin slices of top round beef pounded to 6″ x 4″
- 6 tbsp. Dijon or yellow mustard
- 6-slices of cooked bacon
- 6-julienned dill pickles
- 6-julienned sliced baby carrots
- 1- finely diced onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Toothpicks
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
Cooking Sauce:
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped carrot
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups beef stock
- Cornstarch slurry
Classic German Rouladen Instructions
Prepare the Rolls:
- Brush each piece of meat with Dijon mustard.
- Lay on a piece of bacon, pickles, carrots, and onions.
- Roll each piece and seal it with toothpicks.
- Dredge the rolls in flour.
- Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear each roll on all sides, then set aside while preparing the sauce.
Make the Sauce:
- Reduce the temperature to medium and add the olive oil to the pan.
- Add the onion, celery, carrots, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to release any stuck bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté the vegetables until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the wine and stir to deglaze the pan. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the broth.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add in the rolls and gently simmer for 35 minutes.
- Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce before serving.
Recipe Tips
Creating the perfect Rouladen can be challenging if you don’t know a few tricks. Here are some tips to help you make the best Rouladen possible.
Choose the Right Cut of Beef:
A thin slice of top-round steak works best for this Rouladen because it is tender and easy to roll. Substitute a flank or skirt steak if you do not have a top round.
Pound the Beef:
Make sure the meat is thin. Pound it with a meat mallet before adding the stuffing. A large piece will be easier to roll. It will also be more tender.
Use Traditional Ingredients:
The classic Rouladen stuffing uses chopped bacon, onion, mustard, carrot, and pickles. To keep it authentic, stick to these tried-and-true flavors.
Tie the Rouladen Securely:
After rolling up the stuffing in the beef, tie it with kitchen twine. Twine will prevent it from falling apart during cooking.
Braising Time:
Braise the Rouladen in a rich beef broth for at least an hour to ensure the beef is tender and flavorful.
Wine:
Add some red wine to the broth for an extra depth of flavor.
Now that you have all these easy Rouladen tips, it is time to get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you for this hearty and delicious German dish.
Introducing Alternative Recipes for the Easy Classic German Rouladen!
German beef Rouladen is a traditional comfort food, but why stick to the same recipe? Switch things up a bit? Try these alternative recipes for exciting new ways to prepare this delicious dish.
Chicken Rouladen:
This recipe is a twist on the traditional Rouladen. Use chicken instead of beef. Fill it with spinach and feta cheese. The result is a delicious and healthy alternative that your family will love.
Classic German Pork Rouladen:
Pork Rouladen is a classic dish often overlooked. It is just as juicy and flavorful as the beef. This dish pairs well with red cabbage and boiled potatoes.
Turkey Rouladen:
If you want a healthier option, try using turkey instead. Fill it with cranberries, apples, and herbs for a festive touch.
These alternative recipes are easy to make. They are a great way to expand your cooking skills. If you are looking for something new, there is something for everyone. Let me know which one is your favorite!
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