| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 28g | 11g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 5g | 26g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Romanian Meat Roll with Spinach
Among the many traditional European delicacies that I’ve embraced in my culinary journey, the Romanian dish ‘Meat Roll with Spinach’ holds a special place. It’s a hearty, delicious, and well-rounded dish that masterfully combines the flavors of ground beef and spinach in one roll of scrumptiousness. Now, this may sound slightly unusual to ears familiarized more with New England seafood or Irish comfort food, but it’s truly a delight worth experiencing.
Glorious Blend of Tradition and Innovation
The beauty lies in its ability to resonate with the flavors of my heritage, while radiating a charm entirely its own. Just as I fondly remember my grandparents preparing timeless Irish recipes in their kitchen, I can see this meal being passed down through generations of Romanian families. Even Karlos Arguiñano, a renowned chef known for his traditional recipes, would surely appreciate the simplicity and authenticity of this ‘Meat Roll with Spinach’.
Moreover, expanding my stylistic range with these flavors has enabled me to understand food in new, exciting ways. It’s almost a culinary research – the methodology being taste, texture, aroma, and all things deliciously sublime! 
A Meat Roll’s Companions
If you’re wondering how to best serve or accompany this meat roll, look no further than complimentary side dishes. A creamy garlic mashed potato or a light cucumber salad accent this dish beautifully. Its flavors could also beautifully meld with the creaminess of risotto. The dish is similar to Italian meatloaf or even the Irish meatloaf, yet the addition of spinach delivers a unique twist.
In essence, the ‘Meat Roll with Spinach’ is a recipe that beautifully aligns with my love for traditional cooking, while also showing the exciting possibilities when stretching one’s culinary horizon. It’s as if my journey from Boston’s shoreline to the Irish countryside has led me to an unexpected detour into the heart of Romanian cuisine. And trust me, it’s a detour well worth taking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnishing
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, eggs, and bread crumbs. Mix everything together until well blended.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh baby spinach and cook until it wilts, stirring occasionally. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg and remove the skillet from heat.
Step Three
Spread the meat mixture out on a clean surface and shape it into a large rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Spread the cooked spinach over the top of the meat, leaving a border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the spinach.
Step Four
Roll up the meat tightly, starting from one of the short ends, like a jelly roll. Secure the roll with toothpicks if necessary.
Step Five
Place the roll in a large baking dish and pour the marinara sauce over top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the meat is cooked through.
Step Six
Remove the dish from the oven and let the meat roll rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks. Slice the roll into rounds, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve.
