Pork rolls stuffed with Pancetta, in a roasted pepper and tomato sauce & sautéed mushrooms

Delicious pork rolls filled with Pancetta, in a vibrant roasted pepper and tomato sauce, served alongside crispy sautéed mushrooms – a recipe that combines exquisite flavors and a simple cooking technique, perfect for impressing at any meal. This recipe is not just a simple meal, but a true culinary experience that will bring joy and flavor to every plate.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 8 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 500 grams of canned tomatoes
- 225 grams of roasted peppers, chopped
- 4 pieces of pork (for schnitzels)
- 12 slices of Pancetta
- ½ bunch of fresh basil or sage
- 250 grams of fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian herb mix (oregano, basil, rosemary)
- 100 ml of white wine

Brief history

Stuffed meat rolls are a traditional dish found in many culinary cultures, each with its own variation. This type of recipe was created to make the most of available resources and transform simple ingredients into sophisticated dishes. The combination of pork with Pancetta offers a rich and hearty flavor, while the roasted pepper and tomato sauce adds a note of freshness and acidity, perfect for balancing the flavors.

Cooking techniques

1. Preparing the sauce: Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet. Add the chopped red onion and garlic, allowing them to sauté over medium heat until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. These ingredients are the base of flavors for your sauce.

2. Adding flavors: After the onion and garlic have sautéed, pour in the balsamic vinegar. This will add a note of acidity, intensifying the flavor of the sauce. Continue by adding the canned tomatoes and chopped roasted peppers. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Transforming into sauce: Using an immersion blender, turn the mixture into a smooth sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish, preparing it to accompany the rolls.

4. Preparing the meat: Place each piece of meat between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin or a meat mallet to pound them until they reach a thickness of about ½ cm. This step is essential for ensuring even cooking and a tender texture.

5. Filling the rolls: Remove the plastic wrap and place 3 slices of Pancetta on each piece of meat. Add the basil or sage leaves, then roll the meat tightly and secure it with toothpicks. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the outside of the rolls for seasoning.

6. Cooking the rolls: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it well. Place the rolls in the skillet, frying them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Carefully remove the toothpicks.

7. Finishing the sauce: Add the white wine to the skillet where the rolls were fried. Cook over medium heat until it reduces and becomes a glossy sauce, absorbing the remaining flavors.

8. Preparing the mushrooms: In another skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and add the sliced mushrooms along with the Italian herb mix. Sauté over medium heat until they become crispy, then season with salt and pepper.

9. Final assembly: Add the mushrooms to the dish with the rolls and drizzle everything with the previously made wine sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or sage leaves for an attractive final presentation.

Serving suggestions

These pork rolls filled with Pancetta are excellent served alongside a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad, which will add a crunchy contrast and a note of freshness to the meal. You can also pair the dish with a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Nutritional benefits

Pork is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. Pancetta adds a savory flavor but is also high in fat, so it’s best to enjoy this dish in moderation. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are great for immune system health, being rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace pork with chicken or turkey, which are leaner and can add a different note to the dish.

2. How can I adapt the recipe to make it healthier?
You can reduce the amount of Pancetta or replace it with a leaner ingredient, such as sliced turkey breast. You can also use olive oil in smaller quantities.

3. What can I do with the leftover sauce?
The leftover sauce is perfect for use as a dressing for salads or to accompany other meat or vegetable dishes.

Possible variations

For an explosion of flavors, you can add olives or capers to the Pancetta filling. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or tarragon, to customize the recipe to your taste.

Conclusion

This recipe for pork rolls filled with Pancetta, in a roasted pepper and tomato sauce, is not just a delicious meal, but also a way to enjoy dishes cooked with love and passion. It is an excellent choice for a special dinner, but also for a family meal, bringing a touch of refinement and flavor to every serving. So, get ready to impress with this tasty dish full of culinary history!