Fez Roulade

Fez Roulade is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that combines a variety of spices and flavors, creating a delectable experience reminiscent of Moroccan cuisine. The dish is named after Fez, one of Morocco's key cities known for its vibrant culinary traditions. It is a delightful blend of spiced meat, nuts, and dried fruits rolled into a tender pastry crust, making it a perfect option for festive occasions.

History of Fez Roulade

The origins of Fez Roulade trace back to the traditional Moroccan pastilla, a savory pie that consists of meat, cinnamon, and nuts wrapped in a thin, flaky dough. Typical pastillas are filled with pigeon or chicken; however, Fez Roulade has evolved, often incorporating minced lamb or beef blended with an array of aromatic spices. The adaptation into a roulade form speaks to the creativity of modern chefs who seek to infuse contemporary presentation with cherished traditional flavors.

Ingredients

The ingredients used in this recipe are integral to achieving the authentic taste of a Fez Roulade. Here's what you'll need:

• Ground Beef - 500g
• Pastry Sheets - 2 sheets
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic Cloves - 3, minced
• Ground Cumin - 1 tsp
• Ground Coriander - 1 tsp
• Ground Cinnamon - 1/2 tsp
• Paprika - 1/2 tsp
• Ground Ginger - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Almonds - 1/4 cup, toasted and chopped
• Raisins - 1/4 cup
• Olive Oil - 2 tbsp
• Egg - 1, beaten (for egg wash)

Preparation

Preparing the Filling

To start, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, ensuring the meat is well crumbled. Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook for several more minutes, allowing the spices to integrate fully into the meat mixture. Finally, stir in the almonds and raisins, and set aside to cool slightly.

Assembling the Roulade

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lay the pastry sheets on a flat surface. Spoon the beef filling along one edge of the pastry, leaving a 2cm border. Begin rolling the pastry tightly over the filling, tucking in the edges as you go, to form a neat roulade. Place the roulade seam-side down on a baking sheet. Brush the entire surface with the egg wash, which will give it a beautiful golden color once baked.

Cooking Process

Bake the roulade in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. As recommended, use a cooking timer to monitor the baking process to prevent overbaking.

Serving Suggestions

Let the Fez Roulade cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it with a refreshing salad or a side of couscous to complete the meal. The combination of flavors and textures will transport your taste buds to a traditional Moroccan feast. Enjoy!