Making the perfect German beef roll, or Rouladen, requires careful selection of ingredients and proper cooking techniques. Here is a stepbystep guide to creating delicious Rouladen:
Ingredients
For the Rouladen:
1.5 to 2 pounds of beef (bottom round, flank steak, or top round), cut into thin slices (about 1/4 inch thick)
4 to 6 slices of bacon
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 mediumsized dill pickles, cut into strips
2 tablespoons of mustard (preferably Dijon or German mustard)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
2 cups beef broth (homemade or storebought)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
12 bay leaves
Fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef:
Lay the beef slices on a clean surface and gently pound them with a meat mallet to tenderize them, if necessary. The slices should be about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread a thin layer of mustard over each slice of beef.
2. Add Fillings:
Lay 12 slices of bacon (halved) on each piece of beef.
Sprinkle a portion of the chopped onion and a few strips of dill pickle on top of the bacon.
3. Roll the Beef:
Starting from one end, carefully roll the beef tightly around the fillings. Secure each roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks to hold everything in place.
4. Season:
Sprinkle the outside of the rolls with salt and pepper.
5. Brown the Rouladen:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat.
Add the beef rolls to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Brown the rolls on all sides for about 45 minutes. Remove them and set aside.
6. Make the Gravy:
In the same skillet, add the remaining chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and any additional herbs. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
7. Combine and Cook:
Return the browned Rouladen to the skillet or transfer them to a Dutch oven.
Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. You can also cook them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for the same amount of time.
8. Thicken the Gravy (optional):
If you prefer a thicker gravy, dissolve flour in a bit of cold water and stir it into the gravy in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
9. Serve:
After cooking, remove the Rouladen from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve the Rouladen with the gravy poured over them, alongside traditional sides like red cabbage and potato dumplings or mashed potatoes.
Tips
Marinate: For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef in red wine and herbs for a few hours before preparing.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional fillings like grated carrots, cream cheese, or different types of pickles.
Enjoy your homemade Rouladen — it’s a classic dish that showcases hearty German flavors!