MINCED MEAT ROLLS WITH VEGETABLES - a tasty and appetizing second course

If you are looking for a tasty and easy to prepare second course, meat rolls with peppers are the perfect choice. Aromatic, succulent and full of flavor, they will conquer the palate of the whole family! This dish, typical of home cooking, combines the intense flavor of the meat with the sweetness and lightness of the pepper, creating an irresistible balance of flavors. Furthermore, thanks to the addition of spices and aromas, the rolls will be even more tasty and appetizing.

Ingredients for 3 servings

• 300-350 g minced meat (beef, pork or mixed, depending on your preference)

• 1 onion (white or golden, for a more delicate flavour)

• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow or green, depending on taste)

• 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs

• Coriander or parsley to taste

• Smoked paprika to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon vegetable stock granules

• Garlic powder to taste

• Ground pepper to taste

• Extra virgin olive oil for cooking

Preparation

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion and bell pepper. You can do this by hand with a knife or use a blender to obtain a more homogeneous consistency.

2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion and bell pepper, breadcrumbs, cilantro or parsley, smoked paprika, granulated broth, garlic powder, and ground pepper. If you want a softer consistency, you can add an egg to the mixture.

3. Mix well: Work the mixture with your hands until you get a smooth dough. If it is too dry, you can add a drizzle of milk or a spoonful of olive oil to make it softer.

4. Form the rolls: Take thin slices of meat and stuff them with the prepared mixture, then roll them up and secure them with a toothpick to keep their shape.

5. Pan-Frying: Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick pan and cook the rolls over medium heat until evenly browned on all sides. Turn them gently to avoid breaking them.

6. Baking (alternative option): If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking for even browning.

7. Serving: Beef and pepper rolls are great on their own or with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes.

Tips and Variations

• More savory variant: If you want a stronger flavor, you can add grated cheese to the dough, such as parmesan or pecorino.

• Spicy variation: For a bolder touch, add a pinch of chili powder or a few drops of Tabasco.

• Involtini al sugo: If you prefer, you can cook the involtini in a homemade tomato sauce. After browning them in a pan, add them to a simple tomato sauce and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.

• Accompanying sauces: To further enrich the dish, you can serve the rolls with a yogurt sauce, a cream of roasted peppers or a flavored mayonnaise.

• Gluten-free option: If you want to make the recipe gluten-free, you can replace the breadcrumbs with corn flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Conservation

If you have any leftover rolls, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them before cooking and then cook them directly in a pan or in the oven without having to defrost them.

This recipe is perfect for those who love spicy flavors and want to try something different from the usual. Easy to make and irresistibly good, meat rolls with peppers will become a regular dish on your menu! Enjoy your meal!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------