The Story Behind the Dish
Every recipe tells a story, and these Meat and Rice Puff Pastry Rolls are a testament to the magic of home cooking. Born from the simple desire to transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, this dish combines the heartiness of minced beef, the comfort of rice, and the flaky perfection of puff pastry. It’s a recipe that speaks to the creativity and love found in home kitchens around the world.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- Minced beef: 500 g (17.6 oz)
- Eggs: 2
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Paprika powder: 1 tsp
- Tomato sauce: 2 tbsp
- Flour: 70 g (2.5 oz)
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh dill: Chopped
- Fresh parsley: Chopped
- Olive oil: For cooking
- Butter: 50 g (3.5 tbsp)
Rice and Vegetable Mix
- White rice: 200 g (7 oz)
- White cabbage: 200 g (7 oz), shredded
- Carrot: 1, grated
- Water: As needed
- Eggs: 3-4
- Salt: 1 tbsp
For the Pastry
- Puff pastry (without yeast): 500 g (17.6 oz)
- Egg: 1 (for egg wash)
- Flax seeds: 1 tsp
- Tomato sauce: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: For brushing
- Pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine minced beef
- Add 2 eggs
- Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika
- Mix in tomato sauce
- Add flour to bind
- Chop dill and parsley, mix into meat
- Cook the Vegetables and Rice
- Chop onion and garlic
- Grate carrot
- Shred white cabbage
- In a pan, sauté vegetables in olive oil
- Add rice and water
- Cook until rice is tender
- Let cool slightly
- Mix in 3-4 eggs
- Season with salt
- Assemble the Pastry Rolls
- Roll out puff pastry
- Spread meat mixture evenly
- Layer cooked rice and vegetable mix
- Roll into a tight log
- Cut into desired portions
- Finishing and Baking
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Brush rolls with beaten egg
- Sprinkle flax seeds
- Drizzle with tomato sauce
- Bake until golden brown
- Approximately 25-30 minutes
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Fiber: 2-3g
Preparation Time: 40 minutes Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Servings: 6-8
Nutritional Highlights
- Minced Beef: Rich in protein, supports muscle health
- Rice: Provides complex carbohydrates
- Vegetables: Add essential vitamins and minerals
- Eggs: Excellent source of protein and nutrients
Pro Cooking Tips
- Use lean minced beef for healthier option
- Don’t overmix the meat to keep it tender
- Ensure rice is cooled before adding to pastry
- Let rolls rest 5-10 minutes after baking
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option:
- Replace beef with lentils or plant-based meat
- Use mushrooms for umami flavor
- Gluten-Free:
- Use gluten-free puff pastry
- Replace flour with cornstarch
- Low-Carb:
- Replace rice with cauliflower rice
- Use almond flour instead of wheat flour
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these rolls in advance? A: Yes, prepare and refrigerate before baking.
Q2: How do I store leftovers? A: Refrigerate in airtight container for 3-4 days.
Q3: Can I freeze these pastry rolls? A: Absolutely! Freeze unbaked for up to 1 month.
Q4: What if my pastry doesn’t seal well? A: Use egg wash as a “glue” to seal edges.
Q5: Can I use different vegetables? A: Try zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration:
- Store in airtight container
- Consume within 3-4 days
- Freezing:
- Wrap individually
- Freeze up to 1 month
- Reheating:
- Oven: 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes
- Avoid microwave to maintain pastry crispiness
Enjoy your homemade Meat and Rice Puff Pastry Rolls – a delicious journey of flavors and textures!
