Braided meat with a side of vegetables and roasted garlic

Braided meat with a side of vegetables and roasted garlic

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Discover a delicious and captivating recipe for braided meat, accompanied by a side of aromatic vegetables and roasted garlic, perfect for a special dinner or a family meal. This dish not only looks spectacular but also brings intense flavors and a unique texture to the table. Here’s how you can achieve this delight step by step!

Ingredients:

- 500 g tender veal (flank or tenderloin)
- 1 large zucchini
- 3-4 medium tomatoes
- 4 heads of garlic
- 2 onions
- 2 carrots
- Olive oil
- Spices of choice (thyme, curry, paprika, pepper, mustard)
- Butter for serving
- Salt

Step 1: Preparing the meat

1. Start by cutting the meat into thin strips, leaving them connected at one end.
2. Braid the three strips of meat, ensuring that the shape is compact. You can secure the braid with toothpicks.
3. Make small incisions in the meat and insert a few garlic cloves into the cuts. This detail will enhance the meat's flavor.
4. Prepare a mixture of olive oil and your favorite spices. Personally, I recommend using Romanian thyme, curry, paprika, pepper, and a teaspoon of mustard for a special taste. Generously coat the meat with this mixture and let it marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (ideally overnight).

Step 2: Preparing the side dish

1. Wash the zucchini and slice it thinly, keeping the skin on to add color and nutrients. Blanch it for a few minutes in boiling salted water, then quickly cool it under cold running water to retain its vibrant color.
2. You can prepare the tomato slices now by cutting them thinly and setting them aside.
3. Slice the onion into julienne and sauté it in hot oil. Add the grated carrot and season lightly. Sauté until they become soft, then turn off the heat.

Step 3: Assembling and baking

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a large baking dish, place a sheet of parchment paper and metal molds.
2. Divide the onion and carrot mixture into the four molds, layering sliced tomatoes and zucchini on top.
3. Sprinkle spices over the vegetables and place the dish in the oven for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables become tender.

Step 4: Grilling the meat

1. Meanwhile, preheat the grill. Cut the heads of garlic in half, leaving the skins on to preserve their flavor.
2. Place the braided meat, the whole tomatoes wrapped in aluminum foil, and the zucchini on the grill. The garlic should not stay too long to avoid burning – ideally, remove it when it becomes slightly golden.
3. Grill the meat until it is nicely browned and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.

Serving

Serve the braided meat with a piece of butter on top and the vegetable side dish alongside. The roasted garlic can be enjoyed straight from the skin, adding an extra layer of flavor. This recipe is perfect for enjoying with family or friends, and the intertwined flavors will delight any food lover. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spices to adapt the recipe to your preferences!