Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Mama Mia! This Was Favoloso!

I wish I had taken pictures while I was preparing and before serving, but I forgot! And, I didn't know how 'favoloso' it was going to be. Being half Italian I love Italian food!
I made Braciole (pronounced Brajole) It is a pounded piece of beef, filled and then rolled and slow cooked with your favorite tomato sauce. It was so easy. When we ordered our grass-fed beef from a wonderful local farm, Maple Valley Farms, I made sure to have the butcher tenderize my round steak. I knew this would be perfect for this recipe!
Here is what I did. There are a ton of variations out there, but I found this way to be so easy and so delizioso! ( I really don't know Italian, I just used google! ;-)
Braciole
pounded/tenderized round steak
grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (use the good stuff)
chopped parsley
salt and pepper
favorite tomato sauce ( I used my homemade Mama Michello's Sauce)
I simply layed out the beef sprinkled generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Sprinkled, generously again, with the grated cheese and parsley. Roll up and secure with toothpicks. The pieces were not all the same size so I just rolled it anyway I could, it didn't matter, it turned out great.
I then browned the rolls in oil until well browned. (key to great flavor) I used a very large enamel cast iron dutch oven and browned them in batches. You don't want to crowd the pan as you will more steam than brown the meat. I put them all in the pan, poured my sauce over them and covered. I baked it around 350 for several hours. It smelled favoloso!
I made some 5 minute bread and our 'traditional' Italian salad and we had a feast!
Let me know if you try it or have any questions. It was so easy and definitely had that WOW factor. I mean, come on, Braciole, steaming hot crusty bread and a salad?! Ask me if I felt like the MAMA!

8 comments:

Camille said...

Sounds yummy! Your excitement spills through the computer screen! You are a treasure Michelle!! Have a wonderful day!!

With Love,
Camille

Farmgirl Cyn said...

Wish I'd have thought of having them tenderizing our round steak. I think it's ready early this week, so likely too late. SO looking forward to their beef! Regardless, I think I will try this and just tenderize the steak myself!

Bobbi said...

Thanks Michelle! My poor hubby hasn't had braciole since we got married 22 years ago. I think I should make him some!

Anonymous said...

I'm sure my husband would love this recipe! He's French-Canadian, but he loves well-made, traditional Italian food. I must get around to trying that 5 minute bread recipe...maybe on the weekend.

You have some wonderful recipes! Mangia!

Regan Family Farm said...

You are THE mama! You sound great...great enough to get together?? Let me know when it works, and we'll be as flexible as you need.
Big hugs~
Kathy

Pauline said...

Yahoo! Another wonderful recipe for me to try... tomorrow night! I can't wait "O) and I shall endeavour to let you know if I am able to achieve the fabulous rating "O) Thanks so much for sharing!
Blessings

Gail said...

Sounds great. Can't wait to try the 5 minute bread!
Glad you are doing well! Praise the LORD!

Gail said...

Made the 5 minute bread starter yesterday morning, and the first loaf from it last night.
FANTASTIC!
You are THE mama! :)