Rouladen is a cherished German dish, embodying the heartiness and depth of traditional German cooking. It consists of thin slices of beef rolled around a savory filling of bacon, onions, mustard, and pickles. The rolls are then browned and simmered in a rich gravy until they are tender and flavorful. This dish is a staple at family gatherings and is especially popular during the colder months, offering a comforting warmth with every bite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 slices beef top round or flank steak, pounded thin
- 6 teaspoons German mustard
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 onion, sliced
- 6 pickles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)
Instructions:
- Spread mustard on each slice of beef.
- Place a slice of bacon, onion, and a pickle on each slice.
- Roll up the beef slices and secure with toothpicks.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat oil and brown the Rouladen on all sides.
- Add beef broth and simmer covered for 1.5 hours.
- Remove Rouladen, thicken the sauce with flour if desired.
- Serve the Rouladen with the gravy.
Rouladen offers a taste of the comforting, robust flavors that are characteristic of German cuisine.
The dish has its roots in the culinary traditions of Europe, dating back several centuries. Rouladen is thought to have originated as a variation of the French roulade, adapted by the Germans to include the pickles and mustard that give it its distinctive flavor.