HOW TO PREPARE ROULADEN.

Rouladen (or Rinderrouladen) is a traditional German dish. It consists of thinly sliced beef that’s spread with a mixture of mustard, onions, bacon, and pickles, then rolled up, secured with toothpicks or string, and braised until tender. Rouladen is typically served with gravy and is often accompanied by potato dumplings, red cabbage, or boiled potatoes.

Ingredients:

Thinly sliced beef (traditionally, cuts like top or bottom round are used)
Dijon or German mustard
Sliced bacon or pancetta
Sliced onions
Sliced pickles (typically dill pickles)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking oil or lard
Beef broth
Optional: Cornstarch or flour for thickening the gravy
Instructions:

Preparation of Beef: If your beef isn’t thinly sliced, you can pound it between two sheets of plastic wrap until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.

Seasoning: Lightly season each beef slice with salt and pepper.

Spreading the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of mustard on one side of each beef slice. Then, place a slice of bacon, some sliced onions, and a pickle at one end of each slice.

Rolling the Rouladen: Starting from the end with the toppings, roll the beef slice up tightly, and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

Browning: Heat some oil or lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the Rouladen on all sides. Remove them and set aside.

Making the Gravy: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary, and sauté any remaining onions until translucent. Deglaze the pan with some beef broth, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom.

Braising: Return the browned Rouladen to the skillet, adding enough beef broth to partially cover them. Cover and let them simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until they are tender. You can also transfer them to an oven set at around 325°F (165°C) to braise.

Making the Sauce: Once the Rouladen are tender, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. If you like your gravy thicker, you can mix some cornstarch or flour with a bit of cold water and stir this slurry into the simmering liquid until you reach your desired consistency.

Serving: Return the Rouladen to the gravy to warm them up. Serve hot with the sides of your choice.

Enjoy your traditional German Rouladen! Remember, recipes can vary based on regional and family traditions, so feel free to adjust to your taste.