Delicious roulade as a side dish

The thought of a delicious roulade makes your mouth water. This traditional meat dish, with its rich aromas and tender texture, has taken centre stage at the dinner table for generations. Although roulade is often served as a main course, it certainly deserves a place in the spotlight as a side dish. But what makes a roulade so special? What should you pay attention to when selecting and preparing it? And which main dishes go best with a roulade? In this blog, you will 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 you create with it. By tying and preparing the meat, the flavors become more intense and the roulade gets a tender and juicy structure. You can vary endlessly with herbs and fillings to give the roulade exactly the taste you want. From a classic roulade with rosemary and garlic to an exotic variant with spices from the Middle East, the possibilities are endless.

Choosing the perfect roulade

To prepare a delicious roulade, it is important to choose the right roulade. There are different types of roulade available, such as pork roulade, beef roulade and chicken roulade. It is important to look at the quality of the meat and its freshness. In addition, you should also pay attention to the weight and size of the roulade, so that it fits well with the meal you want to serve. Are you going for a roulade as a side dish? Then choose a smaller piece of meat.

Different types of roulade

Each type of roulade has its own flavour. Pork roulade has a slightly sweet flavour and can be seasoned in different ways. Beef roulade has a strong flavour and is delicious in combination with spicy marinades. Chicken roulade is lean and has a mild flavour, making it the perfect base for a filling of your choice.

Preparing a delicious roulade side dish

Preparing a side dish of roulade takes some time and attention, but the result is absolutely worth it. With the following ingredients and preparation method, you can make a tasty roulade that will make your guests' mouths water.

Ingredients needed for a roulade side dish

For the roulade:

• 1 kg pork roast (or another roast of your choice, such as beef or turkey)
• 4 cloves 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 the doneness
• Rolled wire
• Aluminium 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, make sure the flavors are well absorbed by the meat. Note: you will probably have spice mixture left in the bowl, save this for later.
5. Heat the butter or oil in a large ovenproof pan and fry the roulade until golden brown all around. Sear the roulade all around in the frying pan until it is nicely 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 on the sauce. Use the same skillet you seared the roast in.
2. Add the beef stock, red wine, tomato puree and bay leaf to the pan. Bring to the 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.

Finishing 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 dish.
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 various meals. The taste and texture of a roulade go well with both meat and vegetarian dishes. Below you will find a number of suggestions for main courses that go perfectly with a delicious roulade.

Which main dishes go well with roast beef?

• 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 roast even more festive, you can garnish it with some fresh herbs or a tasty sauce. A creamy mushroom or pepper sauce goes perfectly with a roast and gives that little bit of extra flavor. You can also serve the roast with various side dishes, such as freshly baked garlic bread , sweet potato fries or a beetroot salad . This way you make a complete and tasty meal.

Frequently asked questions about roulade

How do you store a roulade?

An unprepared roulade is best stored in the refrigerator, covered with cling film or in a sealed storage container. This keeps 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 keeps the roulade fresh for longer and you can enjoy it for a few more days.

Can you freeze roulade?

Yes, you can freeze a roast to keep it longer. Make sure the roast has cooled down completely before placing it in the freezer. Wrap the roast in cling film and place it in a sturdy freezer bag. This will protect the roast from freezer burn and you can store it for up to three months. Let the roast defrost slowly in the refrigerator before preparing it.

With this information and tips, you can get started on preparing a delicious roulade as a side dish. Let your creativity run wild and experiment with different herbs and flavors. Enjoy the preparation process and the tasty results. A roulade side dish will always be a festive addition to any meal!