Braided meat with a side of vegetables and roasted garlic

Braided Meat with Vegetable Garnish and Roasted Garlic

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

This delicious dish is not just a tasty meal but also a true visual feast! The braided beef, accompanied by colorful vegetables and roasted garlic, promises to delight both the taste buds and the eyes. It is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Let me show you how to prepare this simple yet special recipe!

A Brief History

Braided meat is a traditional cooking technique found in various culinary cultures. This method not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the dish but also allows for even marination of the meat, helping to intensify the flavors. Roasted garlic, an ingredient often used to add depth and sweetness, perfectly complements the dish.

Ingredients

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

Useful

- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Stainless steel molds (or frames for preparation)
- Grill

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

1. Preparing the meat: Cut the beef into thin but large enough pieces to be braided. Cut each piece into strips about 2-3 cm wide, but do not completely detach them at the ends to keep them together.

2. Braiding: Braid the three strips of meat and secure the ends with toothpicks.

3. Marinating: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with your favorite spices (thyme, curry, paprika, pepper, mustard). Lightly score the meat and insert a few garlic cloves into the cuts. Brush the meat with the spice mixture and let it sit covered in the refrigerator overnight for proper marination.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetable Garnish

4. Zucchini: Wash the zucchini and cut it into thin slices, keeping the skin. Blanch the slices in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes to retain their vibrant color, then plunge them into a stream of cold water.

5. Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes thinly and set them aside.

6. Onion and carrot: Cut the onion into julienne and sauté it in hot oil until translucent. Add the grated carrot and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes. Season lightly and set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking

7. Preparing the tray: Place a sheet of parchment paper in a large tray and use stainless steel molds to create individual portions.

8. Assembling the vegetables: In each mold, place a layer of the onion and carrot mixture, then alternate the slices of tomato with those of zucchini. Sprinkle a little of your favorite spices on top and bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Cooking the Meat

9. The Grill: Meanwhile, preheat the grill. Cut the ends of the heads of garlic in half, leaving the skin intact to protect them. Place the braided meat on the grill, along with whole tomatoes (wrapped in aluminum foil) and zucchini slices. If desired, add a bell pepper for extra flavor.

10. Roasting the garlic: The garlic should not burn! Cook it just enough to become soft and sweet.

Step 5: Serving

11. Finalizing the dish: Once the meat and vegetables are cooked, remove them from the heat. Let the meat rest for a few minutes, then remove the toothpicks.

12. Serving: Place the braided meat on a plate, add the roasted vegetables alongside, and a small cube of butter on top of the meat for extra flavor. The roasted garlic can be served directly from the skin, offering a delicious aroma and wonderful texture.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the Meat: Choose quality beef to achieve a tender and juicy dish. Flank is an excellent choice due to its texture.
- Spices: Experiment with different combinations of spices to customize the flavor. And if you don't have certain spices, don't hesitate to improvise!
- Garnishes: This recipe pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.
- Variations: You can replace the zucchini with other seasonal vegetables, such as eggplant or bell peppers, to bring a different note to the dish.

Nutritional Benefits

Beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, essential for maintaining health. Garlic has antimicrobial properties and helps strengthen the immune system. Vegetables add fiber and vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add hot peppers or spicy spices to the marinade to enhance the flavor.

3. What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze them for later consumption.

Conclusion

This recipe for braided meat with vegetable garnish and roasted garlic is not just a culinary delight but also a true gastronomic experience. With each bite, you will feel the rich flavors and varied textures, and the effort will definitely be worth it. Feel free to experiment and add a personal touch. Bon appétit!