Braciole is an Italian dish that is popular in many regions of the country. It consists of thin slices of beef that are rolled up and filled with a mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs. The rolls are then braised in a tomato-based sauce until tender and flavorful.Now,what to serve with braciole?
When serving braciole, it is important to choose side dishes that complement the flavors of the dish. Traditional Italian side dishes, vegetables, and salads are all great options, as are various pasta dishes.
Here are some ideas for what to serve with braciole:
Traditional Italian Side Dishes
Polenta is a classic side dish that goes well with braciole. It is a cornmeal-based dish that is often served as a creamy, porridge-like consistency. Polenta is a great choice because it is neutral in flavor and can be flavored with herbs or cheese to complement the flavors of the braciole.
Another traditional side dish to serve with braciole is risotto. It is a creamy rice dish that can be cooked with various ingredients such as mushrooms, truffles, or parmesan cheese. Risotto is a great choice because it is rich and flavorful, which makes it a perfect accompaniment to the braciole.
1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with roasted garlic make a perfect side dish for braciole. Boil the potatoes until they are tender, mash them with roasted garlic, butter, and milk, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Lemon: Braciole is rich and hearty, making sautéed spinach with garlic and lemon a great contrast. Sauté the spinach with garlic and olive oil, then finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt.
3. Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts with olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese brings out their natural sweetness and adds a crispy texture. Serve alongside the braciole as a flavorful and healthy side dish.
4. Garlic Butter Green Beans: Saute fresh green beans with garlic and butter until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This quick and easy side dish complements the flavors of braciole and balances out its richness.
5. Italian Roasted Vegetables: Roasting a mix of vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and onions with Italian seasonings adds a burst of flavor to any meal. Simply toss the vegetables with olive oil and Italian seasonings, and roast in the oven until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Creamy Polenta: This smooth and decadent side dish pairs perfectly with braciole. Prepare the polenta according to package instructions, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with a little extra grated Parmesan cheese and serve alongside the braciole.
Vegetables and Salads
Roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and eggplant are also a great idea for serving with braciole. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the flavors.
A classic caprese salad is another great pairing with braciole. The salad consists of sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. The combination of creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs is a perfect complement to the beefy flavors of the braciole.
Pasta Dishes
In Italy, braciole is often served with one of two pasta dishes: spaghetti or penne alla vodka. Spaghetti is a classic choice that is simple yet flavorful. The long noodles pair well with the tomato sauce of the braciole and the dish can be topped with parmesan cheese for added richness.
Penne alla vodka is a slightly more complex dish that pairs well with the braciole. It consists of penne pasta tossed in a creamy tomato sauce that is flavored with vodka and pancetta. The creamy sauce complements the beefy flavors of the braciole, while the pancetta adds a salty, smoky flavor.
Wine Pairings
When choosing a wine to pair with braciole, you should look for a red wine that is full-bodied and has a high tannin content. Tannins are a type of polyphenol that is found in the skins and seeds of grapes, and they help to cut through the richness of the braciole.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Barolo are all great choices for pairing with braciole. Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine that has a high tannin content and is known for its dark fruit flavors.
Merlot is a softer wine with a lower tannin content, but its fruity flavors pair well with the tomato-based sauce of the braciole. Barolo is a rich, full-bodied wine with high tannins and flavors of leather and tobacco. It is a great choice if you want a wine that will stand up to the robust flavors of the braciole.
In conclusion
Serving braciole is a perfect way to bring a taste of Italy to your table. Whether you choose to serve traditional Italian side dishes, vegetables, salads, or pasta dishes, you can be sure that your meal will be delicious and flavorful. And when you pair it with the perfect red wine, you will truly have a meal fit for a king.
FAQs
1. What kind of sauce should I serve with braciole?
Traditionally, braciole is served with a tomato-based sauce. A simple tomato sauce made with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil is a perfect choice. You can also add some red wine to the sauce for added depth of flavor.
2. What pasta should I serve with braciole?
Braciole is often served with pasta. Spaghetti and rigatoni are great choices. Serve the pasta alongside the braciole with a ladleful of tomato sauce on top.
3. What vegetables should I serve with braciole?
A side of roasted or sautéed vegetables would be a nice accompaniment to this hearty dish. Roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed mushrooms, or broccoli raab are all excellent options.
4. What kind of bread should I serve with braciole?
A warm, crusty Italian bread would be a great addition to the table. Bread can also be used to sop up any leftover tomato sauce.
5. What kind of salad should I serve with braciole?
A crisp, mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette would be a good counterpart to the rich flavors of the braciole. Alternatively, an Italian-style caprese salad with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella would be a nice option.
6. What wine should I serve with braciole?
When it comes to pairing wine with braciole, you want a wine that complements the rich, tomato-y flavors of the dish. An Italian red wine such as Chianti Classico or Barolo would be a great choice. If you prefer white wine, a dry white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino would work well.
