BRACIOLE NEAPOLITAN-STYLE recipe & history - all you need to know! (2024)

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Braciole recipe Neapolitan-style is a dish that ran the history of the Southern-Italian cuisine! The ingredients of this delicious rolled meat come from the Ancient Greece, via the discovering of America and the French domination of the territory around Naples. The meat is filled with cured prosciutto, raisins, pine nuts, and cheese, then seared and slow cooked in a tasty tomatoes sauce. To complete the recipe as the tradition requires, toss the pasta with the sauce and serve it as first course. The meat will be a fantastic second course, a complete meal to depict an authentic feast Italian-style!

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  • 8 slices top round meat extra thin cut (Milanesa)
  • 8 slices Italian Prosciutto
  • 2 Lb (900 g) tomato puree
  • 2 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
  • 6 tbsp pine nuts
  • 6 tbsp raisins
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lard (manteca)
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 (300 g) red onion
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley
  • 4 leaves fresh basil
  • 8 tbsp Italian Provolone, grated (alternatively, Pecorino or Cacio Cavallo)
  • 1 glass (250 ml) red wine
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • to taste table salt (optional)

FOR THE PASTA

  • 24 oz (680 g)short pasta (best if Rigatoni or Tortiglioni)
  • Braciole sauce
  • 8 tbsp Italian Provolone, grated (alternatively, Pecorino or Cacio Cavallo)
  • 4.5 tbsp rock salt every 5 qt of water

WHAT BRACIOLE MEANS INTO THE ITALIAN CUISINE

The term braciola(braciole in the plural) indicates different cuts of meats, depending on the regions of Italy.

Into the Northern Italian cuisine, Braciole means pork or veal chops, commonly grilled or seared. In Southern Italy instead, braciole have the same meaning of the International term: thin rolled steaks and filled with herbs and cheese.

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PORK, VEAL OR BEEF BRACIOLE?

Regarding Northen-Italian style braciole, they are made exclusively from pork or veal.

Into the Southern-Italian cuisine, the most traditional braciole recipes are from Sicily, Calabria, and Naples. Southern-Italian braciole are frequently stewed into tomato sauce, or grilled, or pan seared.

The most common Southern braciole steak cuts are pork shoulder and Beef top round.

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BRACIOLE NEAPOLITAN-STYLE HISTORY

The ingredients of slow cooked braciole are influenced by several invasions and settlements of the Neapolitan territory.

The use of raising comes from the Greco-Roman tradition; it is the most ancient, sweet and sour flavor into this recipe, along with pine nuts.

Angevin domination started from XIII Century, brings a significant French influence into the Neapolitan cuisine; particularly, the slow-cooking meats and ragouts.

Starting from XVI Century Tomatoes, coming from the new American continent, enter forcefully into Southern-Italian tradition, and pair perfectly with Mediterranean flavors.

The term braciole and braciolette (little braciole in Italian) appear for the first time in 1837, in the cookbook “Cucina Teorico-Pratica” By Ippolito Cavalcanti Duke of Buonvicino.

The modern version of the Neapolitan braciole recipe is published by Jean Carola Francesconi in 1965. This recipe upholds the tradition and adds a fragrant slice of Italian Prosciutto into the filling.

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ONE RECIPE TWO COURSES

Like many Southern-Italian recipes, Neapolitan braciole are served as second course. With the tomato sauce is traditional to toss pasta, particularly short pasta like Rigatoni or Tortiglioni, and served as first course.

This tradition comes from the workers of the nobles kitchens, which use to save a little quantity of sauce to eat after serving the meat.

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NEAPOLITAN BRACIOLE RECIPE

First of all, choose the right cut of beef; best if top round extra thin cut Milanesa-style.

Soak 3 tbsp of raisins in room temperature water about 30 minutes until re-hydrated. Waiting for the raisins, pour a splash of olive oil into a pan and sauté 3 tbsp of pine nuts until lightly golden brown.

Finally, grate the cheese, and mince the fresh parsley finely along with garlic.

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HOW TO MAKE BRACIOLE

Tenderize the meat beating each steak lightly with the flat side of a tenderizer. It’s critical do not rip the meat.

After that, lay out a slice of Prosciutto over each braciole steak, and spread on the grated cheese, minced garlic and parsley, raisins, and sauteed pine nuts.

Eventually, bend the longer sides of the steaks and roll the shorter side of the meat, tying each braciola with kitchen strings.

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HOW TO COOK BRACIOLE

Pour the lard into an enamel dutch oven or thick-bottomed heavy pot, and melt over medium heat.

Now sear the rolled meat a few pieces at a time just a couple of minutes, until golden brown. This step is critical and can be difficult the first times because the meat tends to stick; if it happens, baste with a few tbsp of wine.

When all the meat rolls are seared, place in a bowl covered, and sauté finely sliced onion into the lard and meat’ juices until soft and translucent.

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SLOW-COOKED BRACIOLE

Once the onion is ready, add the beef roulades, raise the flame and baste with 1 glass of red wine.

Cook and stir a few minutes over high heat, then add the tomato paste. Cook a couple of minutes more, then add the tomato puree and stir fry a few minutes.

After that, low the flame and cook the meat 1 hour and 30 minutes. The meat must cook very gently, bubbling slowly.

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TOMATO SAUCE

After 90 minutes, raise the meat and place into a bowl, covered. Cook the sauce until extremely thick, about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, sauté 3 tbsp of pine nuts and soak 3 tbsp of raisins. After two hours, add the rolled meat, and pine nuts, and raisins, and cook 20 mins more, very slowly.

Serve the Neapolitan braciole over a few tbsp of sauce, and save the remainder sauce to toss the pasta.

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RECIPE - PRINTABLE VERSION

Yield: 8

BRACIOLE NEAPOLITAN-STYLE recipe & history - all you need to know!

BRACIOLE NEAPOLITAN-STYLE recipe & history - all you need to know! (12)

Braciole recipe Neapolitan-style is a dish that ran the history of the Southern-Italian cuisine! The ingredients of this delicious rolled meat come from the Ancient Greece, via the discovering of America and the French domination of the territory around Naples. The meat is filled with cured prosciutto, raisins, pine nuts, and cheese, then seared and slow cooked in a tasty tomatoes sauce. To complete the recipe as the tradition requires, toss the pasta with the sauce and serve it as first course. The meat will be a fantastic second course, a complete meal to depict an authentic feast Italian-style!

Prep Time30 minutes

Cook Time4 hours

Total Time4 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 slices top round meat extra thin cut (Milanesa)
  • 8 slices Italian Prosciutto
  • 2 Lb tomato puree (900 g)
  • 2 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
  • 6 tbsp pine nuts
  • 6 tbsp raisins
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lard (manteca)
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 red onion (300 g)
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley
  • 4 leaves fresh basil
  • 8 tbsp Italian Provolone, grated (alternatively, Pecorino or Cacio Cavallo)
  • 1 glass red wine (250 ml)
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • to taste table salt (optional)
  • FOR THE PASTA
  • 24 oz short pasta (best if Rigatoni or Tortiglioni) (680 g)
  • Braciole sauce
  • 8 tbsp Italian Provolone, grated (alternatively, Pecorino or Cacio Cavallo)
  • 4.5 tbsp rock salt every 5 qt of water

Instructions

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NEAPOLITAN BRACIOLE RECIPE

  1. First of all, choose the right cut of beef; best if top round extra thin cut Milanesa-style.
  2. Soak 3 tbsp of raisins in room temperature water about 30 minutes until re-hydrated. Waiting for the raisins, pour a splash of olive oil into a pan and sauté 3 tbsp of pine nuts until lightly golden brown.
  3. Finally, grate the cheese, and mince the fresh parsley finely along with garlic.

HOW TO MAKE BRACIOLE

  1. Tenderize the meat beating each steak lightly with the flat side of a tenderizer. It’s critical do not rip the meat.
  2. After that, lay out a slice of Prosciutto over each braciole steak, and spread on minced garlic and parsley, raisins, and sauteed pine nuts.
  3. Eventually, bend the longer sides of the steaks and roll the shorter side of the meat, tying each braciola with kitchen strings.

HOW TO COOK BRACIOLE

  1. Pour the lard into an enamel dutch oven or thick-bottomed heavy pot, and melt over medium heat.
  2. Now sear the rolled meat a few pieces at a time just a couple of minutes, until golden brown. This step is critical and can be difficult the first times because the meat tends to stick; if it happens, baste with a few tbsp of wine.
  3. When all the meat rolls are seared, place in a bowl covered, and sauté finely sliced onion into the lard and meat’ juices until soft and translucent.

SLOW-COOKED BRACIOLE

  1. Once the onion is ready, add the beef roulades, raise the flame and baste with 1 glass of red wine.
  2. Cook and stir a few minutes over high heat, then add the tomato paste. Cook a couple of minutes more, then add the tomato puree and stir fry a few minutes.
  3. After that, low the flame and cook the meat 1 hour and 30 minutes. The meat must cook very gently, bubbling slowly.

TOMATO SAUCE

  1. After 90 minutes, raise the meat and place into a bowl, covered.
  2. Cook the sauce until extremely thick, about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Meanwhile, sauté 3 tbsp of pine nuts and soak 3 tbsp of raisins. After two hours, add the rolled meat, and pine nuts, and raisins, and cook 20 mins more, very slowly.
  4. Serve the Neapolitan braciole over a few tbsp of sauce, and save the remainder sauce to toss the pasta.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1

Amount Per ServingCalories 725Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 131mgCarbohydrates 55gFiber 6gSugar 13gProtein 54g

The writers and publishers of this blog are not nutritionists or registered dietitians.All information presented and written within our blog are intended for informational purposes only. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators.You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.The writers and publishers of this blog are not responsible for adverse reactions, effects, or consequences resulting from the use of any recipes or suggestions herein or hereafter.Under no circ*mstances will this blog or its owners be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from your reliance on nutritional information given by this site. By using this blog and its content, you agree to these terms.

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS

SLOW COOKED EYE OF ROUND STEAKS with pizzaiola sauce

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BRACIOLE NEAPOLITAN-STYLE recipe & history - all you need to know! (14)

BRACIOLE NEAPOLITAN-STYLE recipe & history - all you need to know! (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of braciole? ›

While it has deep roots in Italian cuisine, the Braciole most familiar to American palates is largely an Italian-American invention, molded by the hands of immigrants adapting to a new land while longing for their native flavors. In Italy, "braciole" often refers to simple grilled slices of meat, usually pork.

What does braciole mean in Italian? ›

Braciole is an Italian-style roulade, a rolled and stuffed meat. It is also called involtini, or bruciuluni in Sicilian. The etymology of the word translates to slice of meat rolled over coals. The meat — typically beef, veal, or pork — is pounded thin and stuffed with prosciutto, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs.

What cut of meat is best for braciole? ›

My preferred method of making beef braciole is to make it with flank steak. Flank steak is one of my favorite meats to braise because it will be extremely tender. You can make one huge roll or cut it into thin slices like I do to make a couple of little rolls.

Why is my braciole tough? ›

Further, if you haven't pounded the meat thin enough, it can still be tough after cooking, so make sure to pound it to an even, thin slice. Lastly, the cooking time matters, as if you cook it too short it can be tough, so make sure to cook it slow and prolonged to get a more tender result.

What is the rarest Italian dish? ›

Su filindeu—literally “threads of God” in Sardo—is unfathomably intricate. It's made by only three women on Earth, all of whom live on Sardinia. And they make it only for the biannual Feast of San Francesco. It's been this way for the last 200 years.

What is the national dish of Italy? ›

The national food of Italy is a pasta dish that is called Ragu alla Bolognese, which is a Bolognese sauce of meat and tomatoes with tagliatelle pasta. The dish is also sometimes just called Bolognese, because the sauce has become so popular that it is often identified as the meal itself.

What is the difference between Braciole and involtini? ›

There is only one real difference in the actual techniques of braciole versus involtini. "Involtini" translates to "little bundles," and as such, it's used to refer to smaller and thinner cuts of meat.

What is the number one meat in Italy? ›

Pork is the most common cured meat in Italy, although other meats such as beef, venison and wild boar are also cured. Each region of Italy is known for its own cured meats, known as salumi, based on local customs.

What is the main meal in Italy? ›

Lunch is the day's main meal, lasting up to two hours! If you plan to eat lunch with locals, block out time. A typical Italian lunch consists of a primo (pasta, soup or risotto dish), a secondo (meat or fish-based dish) and a contorno (side dish).

What are 4 meats eaten in Italy? ›

Both forms of dried cured meats appear in many different sizes, textures, and shapes. They are eaten in a variety of ways: paired with bread, used in cooking, eaten raw. The most famous of the Italian cured meats are Prosciutto di Parma, Prosciutto Toscano, Mortadella, Pancetta, and Soppressata to name a few.

Can braciole be made ahead of time? ›

Make ahead: The uncooked braciole can be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight. This dish gets better with time. If you can, make it in the morning or the night before, refrigerate, and reheat when you're ready to serve.

How to cut top round for braciole? ›

For the Braciole: In a medium bowl, add breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes and stir until well combined. Set aside. If using a top round roast, slice roast into six 1/2 -inch slices.

What is the oldest Italian dish? ›

Testaroli has been described as "the earliest recorded pasta". It is also a native dish of the southern Liguria and northern Tuscany regions of Italy. Testaroli is prepared from a batter that is cooked on a hot flat surface, after which it may be consumed.

What is the most famous meat in Italy? ›

Pancetta: One of the most traditional Italian Meats, this salted, spiced and dry-cured pork belly is served thinly sliced or diced for recipes. An excellent substitute for bacon, Pancetta is perhaps best known for as a key ingredient in Pasta Carbonara.

What is the history of Italian cured meats? ›

The earliest records of cured meats being produced in Italy date back to the Roman era–meat was salted and dried in order to preserve it for longer after slaughter, extending the shelf life especially considering refrigeration was not yet a thing.

Who was making pasta in Italy more than 2000 years ago? ›

Origins. Although popular legend claims Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy following his exploration of the Far East in the late 13th century, pasta can be traced back as far as the 4th century B.C., where an Etruscan tomb showed a group of natives making what appears to be pasta.

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