Rulo Stefani (Руло Стефани) is an authentic Bulgarian dish that combines seasoned minced meat with a colorful filling of hard-boiled eggs and vegetables, rolled and baked into a hearty and flavorful meatloaf.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients (For Four People)
- 800 grams of minced pork or beef (or a mix)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 1 raw egg (for binding)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into thin sticks
- 1 bell pepper, sliced into strips (optional)
- 1 large pickle (cornichon), sliced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil (for greasing the pan)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with sunflower oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Combine the minced meat, finely chopped onion, raw egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well with your hands until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Shape the Meat Roll
On a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap, spread the meat mixture into a rectangular shape, about 1 cm thick. Make sure the meat is evenly distributed to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Arrange the hard-boiled eggs in a straight line down the center of the flattened meat mixture. Place the carrot sticks, bell pepper strips (optional), and pickle slices around the eggs, creating a colorful filling.
Step 5: Roll the Meatloaf
Using parchment paper or plastic wrap to help, carefully roll the meat mixture around the filling to form a log. Ensure the edges are sealed well to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Rulo Stefani
Transfer the meat roll to the greased baking dish, seam side down. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and golden brown on top.
Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve
Once the meatloaf is cooked, please remove it from the oven and rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Slice into rounds, revealing the beautiful cross-section of eggs and vegetables inside.
Tips and Tricks
- Meat Choice: While pork or beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Chef’s Recommendation: To add more flavor, add grated cheese to the meatloaf before the final 10-15 minutes of baking for a more decadent and caramelized crust.
- Extra Vegetables: Adding other vegetables to the filling, such as peas, green beans, or mushrooms, for additional color and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Rulo Stefani pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. The classic is a mushed potato garnish. It is often served with creamy Snezhanka salad, Shopska salad, or any other fresh salad. The meatloaf can also be enjoyed cold as leftovers in sandwiches or as part of a picnic.
Wine Matching
This rich and savory dish pairs well with Bulgarian Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, which complement the flavors of the minced meat and vegetable filling.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: To make this gluten-free dish, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones.
- Dairy-Free: This dish is naturally dairy-free.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rulo Stefani can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the oven.
About Rulo Stefani (Руло Стефани)
Rulo Stefani is a classic Bulgarian meatloaf dish, typically made for festive occasions or family gatherings. It is characterized by its unique and colorful filling of hard-boiled eggs, vegetables, and sometimes pickles, all rolled inside seasoned minced meat. When sliced, the dish reveals an impressive cross-section, making it delicious and visually appealing.
Cultural Context
Rulo Stefani is often served during holidays, special family meals, or celebratory events in Bulgaria. Its origins date back to when homemakers sought to elevate a simple minced meat dish by adding colorful and nutritious fillings. The combination of eggs, vegetables, and spices makes this meatloaf a well-balanced and festive dish that appeals to all ages, and it has become a staple in Bulgarian households over time.
