Delicious roulade as a side dish

The thought of a delicious roulade is enough to make your mouth water. This traditional meat dish, with its rich aromas and tender texture, has held a central place at the dinner table for generations. While roulade is often served as a main course, it certainly deserves a place in the spotlight as a side dish as well. But what makes a roulade so special? What should you pay attention to when selecting and preparing it? And which main courses pair best with a roulade? In this blog post, you'll discover everything you need to know about preparing a delicious roulade as a side dish.

The unique taste of roulade

What makes roulade so special is the unique taste experience it creates. By tying and preparing the meat, the flavors intensify, giving the roulade a tender and juicy texture. You can vary endlessly with herbs and fillings to give the roulade exactly the flavor you desire. From a classic roulade with rosemary and garlic to an exotic version with Middle Eastern spices, the possibilities are endless.

Choosing the perfect roulade

To prepare a delicious roulade, it's important to choose the right one. There are various types of roulade available, such as pork roulade, beef roulade, and chicken roulade. It's important to consider the quality and freshness of the meat. You should also pay attention to the weight and size of the roulade, ensuring it complements the meal you're serving. If you're serving a roulade as a side dish, choose a smaller piece of meat.

Different types of roulade

Each type of roast has its own distinct flavor. Pork roast has a slightly sweet taste and can be seasoned in various ways. Beef roast has a robust flavor and is delicious with spicy marinades. Chicken roast is lean and has a mild flavor, making it the perfect base for a filling of your choice.

Preparing a delicious roulade side dish

Preparing a roast beef side dish takes some time and attention, but the result is absolutely worth it. With the following ingredients and instructions, you'll create a flavorful roast beef that will make your guests' mouths water.

Ingredients needed for a roulade side dish

For the roulade:

• 1 kg pork roll (or another roll of your choice, such as beef or turkey)
• 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A meat thermometer to check doneness
• Rolled wire
• Aluminum foil

For the sauce:

• 250 ml beef stock
• 100 ml red wine
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons cream (optional)

Step-by-step preparation method

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, mustard, honey, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Season with salt and pepper.
3. If necessary, tie the roulade with roulade wire to keep it firmly together during cooking.
4. Rub the roast with the spice mixture, ensuring the flavors are well absorbed. Note: you'll likely have some spice mixture left over in the bowl; save it for later.
5. Heat the butter or oil in a large ovenproof pan and brown the roulade all over. Sear the roulade in the frying pan until golden brown.
6. Place the roulade in an oven dish and pour the remaining marinade over it.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the roulade in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer reads an internal temperature of 70°C.

Preparation of the sauce:

1. While the roast is in the oven, start preparing the sauce. Use the same skillet you used to sear the roast.
2. Add the beef stock, red wine, tomato paste, and bay leaf to the pan. Bring to a boil and simmer gently until the sauce has reduced by about half.
3. Mix the cornflour with a little cold water to make a paste and add this to the sauce while stirring to thicken it.
4. Stir the butter and cream (if using) into the sauce for a rich, creamy texture. Remove the bay leaf.

Rounding and serving

1. Remove the roulade from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes under the foil to allow the juices to distribute.
2. Cut the roulade into nice thin slices and place them on a serving platter.
3. Pour the warm sauce over the roulade or serve it separately in a sauce boat.
4. Serve the roulade with mashed potatoes , roasted vegetables and a green salad .

Rolled beef as the perfect side dish

A roulade is not only a delicious main course but also a perfect side dish for a variety of meals. The flavor and texture of a roulade pair well with both meat and vegetarian dishes. Below, you'll find some main course suggestions that pair perfectly with a delicious roulade.

Which main dishes go well with roulade?

• Roasted potatoes and vegetables
• Ratatouille with Mediterranean herbs
• Stewed beans with tomato sauce
• Pumpkin soup with a hint of curry
• Grilled vegetables with chimichurri sauce

Tips for serving roulade

To make your roulade even more festive, garnish it with some fresh herbs or a savory sauce. A creamy mushroom or pepper sauce pairs perfectly with a roulade and adds just that little bit of extra flavor. You can also serve the roulade with various side dishes, such as freshly baked garlic bread , sweet potato fries , or a beetroot salad . This way, you'll create a complete and delicious meal.

Frequently asked questions about roulade

How do you store a roulade?

It's best to store an uncooked roulade in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in a sealed container. This will keep the roulade fresh and you can prepare it within a few days. A prepared roulade is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This will extend the shelf life and allow you to enjoy it for a few more days.

Can you freeze roulade?

Yes, you can freeze a roulade for longer storage. Make sure the roulade has completely cooled before placing it in the freezer. Wrap the roulade in plastic wrap and place it in a sturdy freezer bag. This will protect the roulade from freezer burn and keep it fresh for up to three months. Let the roulade thaw slowly in the refrigerator before cooking.