Simple Authentic Italian Braciole Recipe

Braciole is a traditional Italian dish made from thinly sliced beef or pork that is rolled up with cheese, herbs, and other ingredients, and then slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce.

Authentic Italian braciole recipe

Here is a classic recipe for authentic Italian braciole,

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs thinly sliced beef (1) or pork (flank or top-round steak work well)
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water

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How to prepare

1. Lay the beef or pork slices out on a cutting board. On both sides, season them a little with both salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and minced garlic.
3. Spread a small amount of the bread crumb mixture on each beef or pork slice, and then roll up tightly. With toothpicks or kitchen twine, fasten the rolls.
4. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a big pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until tender.
5. Add the beef or pork rolls to the pot and brown them on all sides.
6. Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
7. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and water, and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the braciole simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
8. Serve the braciole with the sauce spooned over the top and accompanied by some pasta (2) or polenta.

This recipe is a classic version of the dish but feels free to customize it by adding other ingredients to the breadcrumb mixture, like diced prosciutto, or different herbs such as basil or thyme. 

Also, adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the meat you are using, thinner cuts may need less time and vice-versa.

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