Braciola facts for kids
Braciola (say: brah-CHOH-lah) is a tasty Italian dish. It can mean a few different things in Italian cooking. Sometimes, it's a simple slice of meat that is cooked. Other times, it's a thin piece of meat that is rolled up with yummy fillings inside.
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What is Braciola?
One way to think of braciola is as a slice of meat. This meat is often pan-fried or grilled. It might be cooked in its own juices. Sometimes, a little bit of olive oil is used. These slices are usually thicker than very thin cuts of meat.
Rolled Braciola (Involtini)
In places like Sicily and in Italian-American cooking, braciola often means something special. It's a thin slice of meat that is rolled up. Common meats used are pork, chicken, or beef. This type of rolled food is called involtini in Italian.
What's Inside Rolled Braciola?
Inside these rolled braciole, you will usually find cheese and bread crumbs. There are many different recipes. Some people add other tasty things. For example, they might add vegetables like eggplant.
How is Rolled Braciola Cooked?
After being stuffed and rolled, braciole are often tied with string. Sometimes, small wooden toothpicks are used instead. This helps keep the filling inside while cooking.
First, the rolls of meat are quickly pan-fried. This makes them brown on the outside. Then, they are often placed into a sauce to finish cooking. A popular sauce is a Neapolitan ragù or tomato sauce. Some people call this "Sunday gravy." Braciole can also be made without tomato sauce.
Braciole are not just a main dish. They can also be a side dish for dinner. Or, they can be put in a sandwich for lunch.
