Matambre Arrollado
Matambre Arrollado (mah-TAHM-breh ah-roh-YAH-doh)
Rolled Stuffed Beef Flank
A thin flank of beef rolled around a filling of hard-boiled eggs, roasted peppers, olives, and herbs, then braised or boiled until tender and sliced into colorful pinwheel rounds.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Instructions
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1
Lay the matambre or butterflied flank steak flat on a work surface. Season generously with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and red wine vinegar. Let it marinate for thirty minutes.
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2
Arrange the hard-boiled eggs in a line down the center of the meat. Layer the roasted peppers, olives, blanched carrots, and chopped parsley around and over the eggs.
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3
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the meat tightly around the filling, creating a compact cylinder. Tie securely with kitchen twine at two-centimeter intervals.
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4
Place the rolled matambre in a large pot of salted boiling water or in a roasting pan with a cup of broth. Simmer gently for ninety minutes until the meat is tender and cooked through.
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5
Remove from liquid and let cool completely. Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. Slice into one-centimeter rounds to reveal the colorful pinwheel pattern and serve cold.
Did You Know?
The name matambre literally means mata-hambre or hunger killer. Gauchos would eat this cut of beef, located between the hide and ribs, as a quick meal while the main asado cooked slowly.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- kitchen twine
- large pot or roasting pan
- sharp carving knife
The Story Behind Matambre Arrollado
Matambre arrollado is one of the most traditional Argentine preparations, rooted in gaucho culture on the pampas. The matambre cut, a thin sheet of beef between the hide and the ribs, was the first piece removed during cattle processing and was eaten immediately by hungry ranch workers, hence its name hunger killer. The rolled and stuffed version evolved as a celebratory dish, with each family adding their own combination of fillings. It became a fixture of holiday tables and special gatherings throughout Argentina.
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