Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef Braciole?
Savory Beef Braciole is a classic Italian dish consisting of tender beef rolls filled with prosciutto, provolone, pine nuts, and currants, slow-simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless beef top round, trimmed of fat and cut into 4 thin slices.
How thin should the beef slices be pounded?
You should use a meat mallet to gently pound the beef slices to approximately 1/4 inch thick.
What ingredients are used for the braciole filling?
The filling consists of thin slices of prosciutto, provolone cheese, pine nuts, currants (or raisins), and chopped garlic.
Can I substitute the currants in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute raisins for currants in the filling.
How do I secure the beef rolls so they don't fall apart?
Roll each slice tightly, tucking in the ends, and secure them with kitchen string tied at 1-inch intervals.
How long does it take to brown the beef rolls?
The beef rolls should be cooked and turned in olive oil until brown on all sides, which takes about 15 minutes.
What type of wine should I use for the sauce?
This recipe requires 1 cup of dry red wine.
How long should the beef simmer in the tomato sauce?
The beef rolls should simmer in the sauce for about 2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
What should I do if the sauce becomes too dry while simmering?
You should check the sauce occasionally and add a small amount of water if it starts to become too dry.
When do I add the fresh herbs like parsley and basil?
Add the chopped parsley and torn basil leaves after the 2-hour simmering period, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
How many calories are in a serving of Savory Beef Braciole?
Each serving contains approximately 355 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
There are 24 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this beef braciole?
There are 23 grams of fat per serving.
What are the suggested side dishes for beef braciole?
This dish is best served over pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the rich tomato sauce.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 peeled and chopped garlic cloves.
What type of onion is used in the sauce?
One medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped, is used for the sauce base.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The recipe calls for 4 large tomatoes that have been peeled, seeded, and chopped.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there are 2 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the dish?
There are 2.5 grams of sugar per serving.
Should the meat be seasoned before adding the fillings?
Yes, after pounding the beef, season each slice with salt and pepper before layering the prosciutto and cheese.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Provolone cheese is used, specifically 4 slices for the rolls.
How much olive oil is used for cooking?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of olive oil for browning the meat and sautรฉing the onions.
Why use plastic wrap when pounding the beef?
Placing the beef between sheets of plastic wrap prevents the meat from tearing and keeps the workstation clean while using the meat mallet.
How many pine nuts go into the filling?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of pine nuts sprinkled across the beef slices.
Is the wine cooked down before adding the tomatoes?
Yes, once the wine is added, it should cook for about 2 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated before adding the tomatoes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe yields 4 beef rolls, which typically serves 4 people.
What type of parsley should be used?
The recipe specifies fresh flat-leaf parsley.
How do you serve the final dish?
Transfer the braciole to warmed individual plates and generously ladle the remaining tomato sauce over the top.