Imagine a warm, pillowy roll, infused with the aromatic essence of Italy. Enveloped in a crisp, golden crust, its interior yields to reveal a symphony of flavors, a testament to the fusion of culinary traditions. This is the Italian Night Roll, a creation born from a passion for food and a desire to bridge cultural divides.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
1 cup warm water (110°F)
1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup olive oil
For the Filling:
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
Image Source: vikalinka.com
Preparation:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium heat. Drain off excess grease.
Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Spread the meat sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side. Pinch the seam to seal.
Cut the roll into 1-inch slices and place them on a greased baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Serving Ideas:
Serve the Italian Night Rolls warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Pair them with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
For a heartier meal, serve them with a bowl of hearty soup.
A Cultural Tapestry
The Italian Night Roll is a testament to the global nature of cuisine. It draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of Italy, where hearty sauces and fresh ingredients are staples. The dough, a nod to classic Italian bread, provides the perfect canvas for the flavorful filling. The result is a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated, a true celebration of cultural fusion.
In the end, the Italian Night Roll is more than just a recipe; it’s a journey through time and space, a taste of Italy in every bite. It’s a reminder that food has the power to connect us, to bring people together, and to create lasting memories.
