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Roulade
Roulade
from Wikipedia
Flank steak roulade being browned
Sliced beef roulade filled with bacon, onion and pickled cucumber
Cooked flank steak roulade
Salmon and dill mini-roule

A roulade (/rˈlɑːd/[1]) is a dish of filled rolled meat or pastry. Roulade can be savory or sweet. Swiss roll is an example of a sweet roulade. Traditionally found in various European cuisines, the term roulade originates from the French word rouler, meaning "to roll".[2]

Meat

[edit]

A meat-based roulade typically consists of a slice of steak rolled around a filling such as cheese, vegetables, or other meats. A roulade, like a braised dish, is often browned then covered with wine or stock and cooked. Such a roulade is commonly secured with a toothpick, metal skewer or a piece of string.[3] The roulade is sliced into rounds and served. Of this common form, there are several notable dishes:

  • Paupiette, French veal roulade filled with vegetables, fruits or sweetmeats
  • Rinderroulade, German and Hungarian beef roulade filled with onions, bacon and pickles. Also Kohlroulade, cabbage filled with minced meat.
  • Španělské ptáčky (Spanish birds) are roulade in Czech cuisine. The recipe is practically identical with German Rouladen, perhaps omitting wine and adding a wedge of hard boiled egg and/or frankfurter to the filling. Unlike the large roulade, sliced before serving, the "birds" are typically 10 cm (3.9 in) long, served whole with a side dish of rice or Czech style bread dumplings.
  • Szüz tekercsek ("Virgin rouladen"), in Hungary a dish filled with minced meat.[4]
  • Zrazy (or "rolada"), in Poland
  • Rollade, in the Netherlands. Most 'rollades' are made from rolled pork. A typical Dutch 'rollade' is not filled. Common spices are pepper, salt and nutmeg.

Involtini

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In Italian cuisine, roulades are known as involtini (singular involtino). Involtini can be thin slices of beef, pork or chicken rolled with a filling of grated cheese (usually Parmesan cheese or pecorino romano), sometimes egg to give consistency and some combination of additional ingredients such as bread crumbs, other cheeses, minced prosciutto, ham or Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, garlic, spinach, pinoli ("pine nuts"), etc. Involtini (diminutive form of involti) means "little bundles". Each involtino is held together by a wooden toothpick, and the dish is usually served (in various sauces: red, white, etc.) as a second course. When cooked in tomato sauce, the sauce itself is used to toss the pasta for the first course, giving a consistent taste to the whole meal.

In southern parts of Italy such as Sicily, where fish are a more plentiful element of cuisine, involtini can sometimes be made with fish such as swordfish. This term encompasses dishes like braciole (a roulade consisting of beef, pork or chicken usually filled with Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs and eggs) and saltimbocca. There are also vegetarian involtini made with eggplant.

Pastry

[edit]
A slice of cake roulade

Some roulades consist of cake (often sponge cake) baked in a flat pan rolled around a filling. Cake rolled around jam, chocolate buttercream, nuts or other fillings, is an example of a sweet roulade like the bejgli or the Swiss roll. The bûche de Noël or "Yule log" is a traditional French Christmas cake roll, often decorated with frosting made to look like bark.

Another form of non-meat roulade consists of a soufflé-type mixture baked in a flat pan rolled around a filling.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A roulade is a culinary dish consisting of a thin slice of , , , or cake that is rolled around a filling—such as cheese, , herbs, or cream—and then cooked, typically by browning and for savory versions or for sweet ones. This technique creates a compact, flavorful preparation that can be sliced to reveal the layered interior. The term "roulade" originates from the French verb rouler, meaning "to roll," reflecting the core method of shaping the dish. Though French in name, the roulade concept spread across , evolving into regional specialties like German Rouladen—thin slices filled with , onions, and pickles—and Polish rolada śląska, a Silesian variant featuring similar rolled meats from noble traditions. Written recipes for rouladen in date to at least the 1700s, initially as an elite dish due to beef's expense, before becoming a staple in home cooking. Roulades encompass both savory and sweet forms, with the savory often braised in wine or for tenderness, secured by or skewers to hold during cooking. Sweet roulades, conversely, feature light sponges or s rolled around fillings like fruit, , or , as seen in desserts such as roulade or the holiday . These versatile preparations highlight roulade's adaptability, appearing in various global cuisines while maintaining the elegant, rolled presentation.

Definition and Etymology

Definition

A roulade is a consisting of a thin slice or sheet of , , , or other base material that is spread with a filling, rolled into a cylindrical shape, and then typically cooked, baked, or braised. This preparation technique creates an enclosed spiral of flavors, where the filling is distributed evenly throughout the roll, and the dish is often sliced crosswise to reveal the distinctive layered pattern. Roulades are categorized into savory and sweet varieties, depending on the base and filling used. Savory roulades commonly employ thin sheets of meat such as or , filled with ingredients like , herbs, or cheeses before being secured and cooked to tenderness. In contrast, sweet roulades typically use a light or base, rolled around jams, creams, or fruits to form delicate desserts. The defining feature of a roulade is its rolled structure, which distinguishes it from flat or layered preparations by integrating the base and filling into a cohesive, portable form that can be served hot or cold. Common bases include beef for hearty savory rolls, chicken for lighter poultry options, for classic sweet versions like the , and for airy, gluten-free desserts.

Etymology

The term roulade originates from the French word rouler, meaning "to roll," reflecting the action central to its preparation. This linguistic root traces back to roler, denoting a rolling motion, and the culinary sense emerged as a emphasizing rolled items. The word entered English in the late 17th or early , initially borrowed for musical flourishes, with culinary uses appearing shortly thereafter, as early as for rolled desserts. The concept of roulade influenced terminology across , with the German Roulade (plural Rouladen) directly adopting the French form to denote slices rolled around fillings like and onions, a staple in Central European cooking. Similarly, the Italian involtini—a of involto, meaning "wrapped" or "enrolled," from Latin involvere—describes analogous small rolls of meat, vegetables, or cheese, often secured with toothpicks and grilled or braised. Over time, roulade shifted from a broad descriptor of rolling actions to a precise term for filled, layered edibles, influencing both savory and sweet applications in global .

History

Origins in European Cuisine

The practice of stuffing and rolling meats in Europe traces its roots to medieval culinary traditions, where such techniques served both practical preservation purposes and aesthetic presentation. During the Middle Ages, cooks often stuffed meats with spices, herbs, and fats to extend shelf life amid limited refrigeration, while rolling them created compact forms suitable for transport or storage. This method was particularly evident in regions influenced by Arab and Norman culinary exchanges, such as Sicily, where stuffed beef rolls known as farsumagru—initially called rollo from the French roule—emerged as a premier dish, featuring thin beef sheets wrapped around fillings like hard-boiled eggs, cheeses, and cured meats before braising. These early iterations reflected broader European trends in forcemeat preparation, as seen in English manuscripts like The Forme of Cury (c. 1390), which included various stuffed and shaped meat dishes for festive meals. By the Renaissance, rolled and stuffed meats gained prominence in courtly cooking across Europe, aligning with the era's emphasis on elaborate, visually striking presentations to demonstrate wealth and sophistication. In Italian courts, particularly under Medici influence, dishes like involtini—thin slices of veal or beef rolled around herb pastes, cheeses, or prosciutto—were served at banquets, evolving from medieval prototypes to symbolize refinement amid the humanist revival of classical banqueting arts. French and English nobility adopted similar techniques, incorporating rolled preparations into multi-course feasts; for instance, 16th-century French texts describe rouleaux de viande as elegant cylinders of poultry or veal stuffed with pistachios and truffles, often glazed for dramatic effect. This period marked a shift from utilitarian preservation to artistic display, with rolling enhancing portion control and flavor infusion in opulent settings. The modern concept of the roulade crystallized in 18th-century , where it appeared in aristocratic menus as a sophisticated rolled dish, building on foundations. Earliest references highlight roulade de veau, a preparation involving thinly sliced pounded flat, stuffed with or herbs, rolled tightly, and poached or braised to yield tender, flavorful results—ideal for grand dinners under . This innovation reflected the era's codification of , emphasizing symmetry and sauce integration. Italian precursors, such as Sicilian farsumagru, influenced these developments through cultural exchanges, adapting medieval rolling for refined palates while preserving the technique's preservative heritage.

Evolution and Global Spread

Written recipes for beef rouladen in Germany date to at least the 1700s, initially as an elite dish due to beef's expense. In the 19th and 20th centuries, rouladen emerged as a cornerstone of , evolving from an occasional delicacy to a beloved national dish often prepared as beef rolls filled with mustard, , and pickles, braised in a rich sauce and served on Sundays. This popularization reflected the dish's accessibility to middle-class households, with variations using affordable cuts like topside beef, making it a staple for family gatherings and holidays. Building on its early origins in , rouladen spread to through waves of German immigrants in the , who brought the technique to cities like New York and the Midwest, influencing local eateries and home cooking. In the United States, it adapted into Americanized forms such as stuffed roulades, where the tougher flank cut—popularized via the London broil method—is butterflied, filled, and grilled or broiled for quicker preparation. The roulade concept has since been adopted globally, incorporating regional flavors in fusion dishes; for instance, Asian influences appear in teriyaki-glazed chicken yawata-maki, a Japanese rolled chicken preparation enhanced with sweet-savory for modern appeal. In , variations include piononos, Dominican ripe plantain rolls stuffed with spiced ground beef or cheese, blending the rolling technique with local tropical ingredients for savory snacks. Similar adaptations feature cheese-filled aborrajados in , where battered plantain slices enclose queso fresco before frying. Industrialization in the mid-20th century transformed roulade preparation by enabling of ingredients like pre-sliced meats and jarred fillings, while in facilitated the rise of frozen and ready-to-cook rouladen kits in German supermarkets, democratizing access to this labor-intensive dish.

Savory Roulades

Meat-Based Roulades

Meat-based roulades represent a cornerstone of European savory , utilizing thin slices of , , or rolled around flavorful fillings to create tender, self-contained dishes often braised or grilled for enhanced depth of flavor. These preparations emphasize the transformation of tougher cuts through mechanical tenderizing and moist cooking techniques, resulting in a harmonious blend of and that is sliced and served in its own or . In German culinary tradition, Rinderrouladen exemplify this style, featuring thinly sliced top round beef (Rinderroulade) spread with mustard, then filled with strips of bacon, diced onions, and pickled gherkins before being rolled, tied, and slowly braised in a dark beef gravy until fork-tender. This dish, a staple in regional home cooking, highlights the balance of tangy, savory, and umami elements, with variations occasionally incorporating carrots or additional spices for subtle regional differences. The braising process, typically lasting 1.5 to 2 hours, infuses the meat with the flavors of the filling and sauce, making it a comforting main course often paired with potatoes or red cabbage. Italian involtini di vitello offer a lighter, more versatile approach, where thin or escalopes are pounded flat, stuffed with , parmigiano-reggiano cheese, or fresh herbs like sage and , then rolled and secured before , sautéing, or briefly to preserve juiciness. Common in Sicilian and northern Italian repertoires, these rolls may be finished with a splash of or balsamic reduction, emphasizing the meat's natural tenderness and the contrast between the mild and bold fillings. Unlike their braised counterparts, involtini prioritize quick cooking to highlight fresh, simple ingredients. French paupiettes de boeuf adapt the roulade concept with slices filled with a mixture of such as carrots and , finely chopped herbs, or even a of and breadcrumbs, often wrapped in or for added moisture before slow in stock or wine. This preparation, akin to British beef olives, transforms economical cuts into elegant entrées through extended simmering, yielding a succulent texture and integrated flavors. Regional variations, such as those from , might incorporate olives or garlic for a Mediterranean twist. Across these traditions, common techniques include pounding the to approximately 1/8-inch thickness for pliability, rolling and tying with kitchen string to maintain shape during cooking, and employing low-and-slow or gentle to break down connective tissues while melding flavors. These methods ensure the roulades remain intact and flavorful, underscoring the dish's efficiency in using affordable meats to produce sophisticated results.

, , and Roulades

Poultry roulades, particularly those made from , offer a versatile and lighter alternative to preparations, often featuring pounded breasts filled with fresh ingredients like , cheese, or for enhanced flavor without heaviness. The breast is butterflied and pounded to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch to facilitate rolling, then the filling is spread across the surface before tightly rolling and securing with kitchen twine or toothpicks. These roulades can be baked at 375–400°F for 20–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, or pan-seared in a skillet for 4–5 minutes per side followed by a brief finish, resulting in quicker cooking times that suit weeknight meals compared to longer-braising versions. Turkey roulades build on similar techniques but incorporate seasonal fruit and nut fillings to evoke holiday festivities, providing a lean yet festive protein option. For turkey, a butterflied breast is spread with a stuffing of sautéed sausage, onions, celery, dried cranberries, figs, and pine nuts, then rolled and roasted at 325°F for approximately 1.75–2 hours until reaching 165°F (74°C) internally, yielding juicy slices ideal for gatherings. These preparations highlight brighter, fruit-forward profiles that cook faster than denser red meats due to the poultry's lower fat content and thinner profiles. Seafood roulades emphasize delicate textures and marine flavors, using thin fillets of or sole rolled around crabmeat mixtures or herb-infused fillings for an elegant, low-fat dish. pinwheels, for instance, involve portioning skinless fillets into thin sheets, spreading with a creamy crab filling made from lump meat, , , and fresh herbs like or , then rolling tightly and at 400°F for 15–20 minutes or for 10–12 minutes per side to achieve a flaky interior. Sole roulades similarly wrap around a crab or spinach-herb blend, often poached gently in or for 8–10 minutes to retain moisture, offering quicker preparation and lighter, briny notes that contrast heavier meat roulades. Vegetable roulades provide a fully plant-based savory option, utilizing thinly sliced or as wrappers filled with creamy and aromatic herbs for a satisfying vegetarian . slices, grilled or roasted until pliable, are topped with a of , , chopped mint, , , and egg yolks, then rolled and baked in at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden, creating layered textures without animal proteins. variations follow the same method, yielding even lighter results due to the vegetable's high and mild flavor, with total cooking times under an hour that underscore their accessibility as quick, herb-accented alternatives to meat-centric roulades.

Sweet Roulades

Sponge Cake Roulades

Sponge cake roulades are light, rolled desserts made from a flexible genoise-style , typically filled with sweet creams, jams, or fruits, and originating from European baking traditions in the . These sweets emphasize a thin, airy batter beaten to incorporate air for tenderness, allowing the cake to bend without breaking during rolling. Unlike denser cakes, the sponge is baked briefly on a to maintain pliability, often at temperatures around 350–400°F (175–200°C) for 12–17 minutes until it springs back when touched. The , also known as a jelly roll in the United States, consists of a thin baked on a sheet, spread with , , or , then tightly rolled and finished with a dusting of . This classic form emerged in during the , with early references appearing in British and American cookbooks by the mid-1800s, though its exact invention remains debated among culinary historians. Preparation involves whipping eggs with to create volume, folding in gently to preserve airiness, and rolling the warm cake in a dusted with to set its shape and prevent cracks. A prominent example is the Bûche de Noël, or , a chocolate or vanilla sponge roulade filled with —often coffee, , or praline-flavored—and decorated with textured icing to mimic tree bark, complete with mushrooms or edible holly. This French Christmas dessert draws from ancient Nordic and Celtic yule log-burning rituals honoring the , adapted into edible form by Parisian pâtissiers in the late ; the first printed appeared in 1890 by Pierre Lacam. It gained widespread popularity during the and post-World War II era, symbolizing festive abundance in Francophone cultures. Variations include citrus-infused rolls, such as those filled with tangy lemon curd and stabilized , or berry-filled options combining fresh blueberries or mixed fruits with for a tart-sweet contrast. These adaptations highlight seasonal ingredients, with the sponge's flexibility ensured by minimal and high-heat to form a fine crumb that resists tearing.

Meringue and Other Dessert Roulades

Meringue roulades consist of a baked sheet of that develops a soft, marshmallow-like interior contrasted by crisp edges during low-temperature , providing an airy, gluten-free alternative to traditional cake bases. This delicate structure is typically spread with sweetened and layered with fresh fruits such as berries or tangy fillings like before being rolled and chilled to set. The result is a lightweight that emphasizes texture contrast, with the meringue's subtle sweetness complementing the vibrant acidity of the fillings. Pavlova-inspired variations enhance the meringue base by incorporating additions like finely chopped nuts or desiccated into the whipped egg whites before baking, introducing subtle crunch or tropical notes while maintaining the roll's elegant form. These adaptations draw from the classic pavlova's foundation, often filled with and seasonal fruits such as peaches, , or mixed berries, and topped with crushed praline for added texture. Such modifications allow for customization, making the roulade versatile for both rustic picnics and formal occasions, with the meringue's crisp exterior yielding to a tender core upon slicing. Beyond , other dessert roulades utilize alternative bases like or dense layers for chilled, indulgent profiles distinct from lighter varieties. roulades often wrap softened homemade —such as or —within a soft envelope, drizzled with fruit sauces and served frozen for a refreshing summer treat that highlights cool creaminess against the meringue's subtle crispness. roulades employing brownie-like bases feature a fudgy, flourless sheet enriched with cocoa and eggs, filled with or , and rolled to create a rich, crack-resistant log that offers a denser suitable for colder presentations. In modern , and similar roulades have gained popularity for their elegant appearance, low-fat composition—relying primarily on egg whites and minimal —and ease of preparation, often positioned as sophisticated yet accessible options for entertaining. These desserts are frequently served chilled to preserve their structure and enhance flavor balance, appealing to gluten-free diets and those seeking lighter alternatives to heavier pastries. Their rise reflects a broader trend toward textured, fruit-forward sweets that prioritize visual drama and simplicity in contemporary patisserie.

Preparation Techniques

Base Preparation and Filling

The preparation of a roulade begins with creating a thin, pliable base that can be easily rolled without tearing, a crucial step for both savory and sweet varieties to ensure structural integrity during assembly. For savory roulades, particularly those using meat or poultry, the base is typically achieved by pounding thin slices of beef, veal, pork, or chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper using a flat-sided meat mallet. This technique tenderizes the protein and creates an even thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch, preventing uneven cooking and facilitating a tight roll. Seasoning follows immediately, often with salt, pepper, and a spread of Dijon mustard or fresh herbs like parsley and thyme to enhance flavor adhesion and moisture retention. For vegetable-based savory roulades, such as those using zucchini or eggplant, the base involves thinly slicing the produce lengthwise (ideally 1/8 inch thick) with a mandoline, then blanching briefly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to soften and remove excess bitterness while maintaining flexibility. In sweet roulades, the base is a light formed by vigorously whipping whole eggs with granulated sugar—typically for 5-10 minutes with an electric mixer—until the mixture triples in volume, turns pale yellow, and forms thick ribbons when lifted. This creates the sponge's tender, flexible crumb without chemical leaveners. (often cake flour for fineness) is then gently folded in to preserve air bubbles, and the batter is spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet before at 350-375°F for 10-12 minutes until just set and lightly golden. Essential tools for this process include a meat mallet or for savory bases to achieve uniformity, and for sweet sponges to prevent sticking and aid in handling the delicate, warm cake. Maintaining even thickness across the base is vital, as variations can lead to cracking during rolling or inconsistent cooking times. Once the base is prepared and cooled slightly (for savory) or fully (for sweet to avoid melting fillings), the filling is applied in a thin, even layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to prevent spillage. Common savory fillings include savory elements like strips, sliced pickles, caramelized onions, cheese, or sautéed , which provide contrast in texture and flavor while being pre-cooked if necessary to avoid releasing excess moisture during final cooking. For sweet roulades, fillings often consist of like raspberry jam, stabilized with , or fresh fruits such as berries macerated to reduce water content. To prevent sogginess, especially in sweet versions where moisture can soften the sponge, fillings should be moderately thick and not overly liquid—drain canned fruits thoroughly or use cooked, reduced compotes—and applied sparingly to maintain roll integrity.

Assembly, Cooking, and Serving

Once the base has been prepared and filled, assembly involves carefully rolling the roulade to ensure even distribution of the filling and structural integrity. For savory roulades, such as or varieties, the filled sheet is rolled tightly starting from the short end to create a compact spiral, with the seam side down; this is secured using toothpicks inserted through both ends or kitchen twine wrapped around the roll at intervals to prevent unrolling during cooking. In contrast, sweet roulades like versions are rolled while still warm immediately after , often with a or sugar-dusted towel to facilitate handling and prevent sticking, allowing the cake to set in a curved shape without additional securing. Cooking methods vary by type to achieve tenderness and flavor enhancement. Savory roulades are commonly braised in or a wine-based in a covered pot on the stovetop at low heat for 90 minutes or baked at 325°F (163°C) until fork-tender, promoting slow cooking that infuses moisture and breaks down connective tissues in meat-based versions. Lighter or vegetable roulades may be pan-fried or grilled over medium heat for 10-15 minutes per side to develop a crisp exterior while keeping the interior juicy, often followed by a brief finish at 400°F (204°C) for even . Sweet roulades are typically baked at 350°F (177°C) for 12-14 minutes in a shallow pan until the surface springs back to the touch, ensuring a flexible texture suitable for rolling without cracking. After cooking, cooling and slicing are essential for clean presentation and to allow flavors to meld. Savory roulades rest for 5-10 minutes post-cooking to redistribute juices, then are sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch pinwheels after removing securing elements, revealing the layered filling. Sweet varieties are cooled completely in their initial rolled shape for 2-3 hours at , unrolled to add filling, rerolled without , and chilled for 30-60 minutes to firm up before slicing into portions that maintain their spiral form. Serving emphasizes complementary accompaniments to highlight the roulade's textures and flavors. Savory options are plated with pan gravy, mustard sauce, or reductions, alongside sides like potatoes or for balance, typically portioned as 1-2 slices per serving to showcase the cross-section. Sweet roulades are dusted with , garnished with fresh fruit or , and served chilled in wedges to preserve shape, often as a portion of one slice.

References

  1. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Roulade
  2. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/involtino
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