Meat Olives Recipe

Recipe: Meat Olives

History:
Meat Olives, also known as "Olive stuffed meat rolls," is a classic dish that originated in Mediterranean cuisine. The term "olive" in the dish doesn't refer to the fruit but rather to the shape of the rolled meat that resembles an olive fruit. This dish has been loved for centuries, and its recipe has been passed down through generations.

Fun Facts:
- Despite the name, Meat Olives do not actually contain olives as an ingredient. The name is derived from the shape and appearance of the rolled meat, which resembles an olive fruit.
- This dish is often served as an appetizer or as part of a main course in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Variations of Meat Olives can be found in different culinary cultures, such as Italian Braciole and Middle Eastern Dolma.
- Meat Olives are a versatile dish and can be made with different types of meat, including flank steak, tenderloin, or even chicken.

Now, let's explore the recipe for making delicious Meat Olives:

Ingredients:
- 1 flank steak, cut into 3-inch squares
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley
- 1 chopped onion
- A dash of red pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup melted fat
- Water (for simmering)
- 1/4 cup flour (for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Lay out the flank steak squares on a flat surface and spread each piece with the dressing. To make the dressing, combine bread crumbs, minced parsley, chopped onion, a dash of red pepper, salt, and melted fat in a bowl.

3. Evenly distribute the dressing mixture on each flank steak square, leaving some space on the edges for rolling. Gently roll up each piece and tie them securely in shape with kitchen twine.

4. Place the rolled meat olives in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Cover them completely with water, making sure they are fully submerged. Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.

5. Allow the meat olives to simmer for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours or until the meat becomes tender. Keep an eye on the water level and, if necessary, add more during the simmering process to ensure the meat stays fully immersed.

6. Once the meat is tender, carefully remove the olives from the sauce and transfer them onto a baking dish. Discard the kitchen twine.

7. Preheat your oven's broiler. Place the baking dish with the meat olives under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the tops become golden brown. This will add a delightful crispy texture to the meat outside.

8. While the meat olives are browning in the oven, thicken the sauce left in the pan. In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup of flour with water to form a thin paste. Slowly whisk the paste into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens. You can adjust the thickness of the sauce according to your preference.

9. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and set it aside.

10. Take the meat olives out from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

11. Serve the Meat Olives by placing them on a platter and pouring the savory sauce over them. You can also serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Enjoy the delectable Meat Olives and relish the burst of flavors in each bite!

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Braciole: An Italian variation of Meat Olives where thin slices of beef are filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, rolled up, and cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
- Dolma: A Middle Eastern dish where various filling options such as rice, minced meat, and spices are wrapped in grape leaves or other edible leaves and cooked until tender.
- Rouladen: A German dish consisting of thinly sliced beef rolled around a filling of onions, mustard, and bacon, then braised until fork-tender in a flavorful gravy.

These dishes share similarities with Meat Olives as they all involve rolling meat around a delicious filling mixture, resulting in flavorful and often comforting culinary creations.