Looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that satisfies every craving? This Savory Mince Roll with Crisp Garden Salad is a showstopper that combines juicy minced meat, smoky bacon, and melted cheese, all wrapped into a savory roll and baked to perfection. Paired with a fresh, vibrant salad featuring crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and tangy feta, this meal is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. The balance of rich and light ingredients ensures a satisfying experience in every bite. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Mince Roll:
- 1.3 kg (3 lb) minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 egg
- 5 g (0.2 oz) garlic powder
- 5 g (0.2 oz) oregano
- 10 g (0.4 oz) mustard
- 10 g (0.4 oz) chopped parsley
- 4 g (0.1 oz) salt
- 4 g (0.1 oz) black pepper
- 5 slices of toast bread
- 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) milk
- 200 g (7.1 oz) smoked bacon slices
- 200 g (7.1 oz) pickled cucumbers, sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 150 g (5.3 oz) sliced cheese (cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella)
- 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) oil for cooking
For the Glaze:
- 20 g (0.7 oz) ketchup
- 20 g (0.7 oz) mustard seeds
- 10 g (0.4 oz) honey
- 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) soy sauce
- 4 g (0.1 oz) sweet paprika
- 4 g (0.1 oz) salt
For the Garden Salad:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) lettuce leaves
- 200 g (7.1 oz) halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 100 g (3.5 oz) black olives
- 100 g (3.5 oz) crumbled feta cheese
- 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil
- 10 ml (0.3 fl oz) lemon juice
- 4 g (0.1 oz) salt
- 4 g (0.1 oz) black pepper
- 4 g (0.1 oz) oregano
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mince Roll:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, soak the slices of toast bread in milk until soft, then mash them into a smooth paste.
- Add the minced meat, egg, garlic powder, oregano, mustard, parsley, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
- On a clean surface, spread the meat mixture out into a rectangular shape, about 1 inch thick.
- Layer the smoked bacon, sliced pickled cucumbers, finely chopped onion, and cheese on top of the meat rectangle.
- Carefully roll the meat mixture into a log, ensuring the fillings are enclosed. Press the ends to seal the roll and prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Heat oil in a large pan and sear the mince roll on all sides until browned. This helps lock in the flavors and create a crust.
- Transfer the roll to a baking dish.
2. Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, mustard seeds, honey, soy sauce, sweet paprika, and salt.
- Brush the glaze generously over the mince roll, ensuring all sides are covered.
3. Bake the Mince Roll:
- Place the mince roll in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Baste the roll with additional glaze halfway through baking to enhance the flavor.
- Once done, let the roll rest for 10 minutes before slicing into portions.
4. Prepare the Garden Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion, avocado, and black olives.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt, black pepper, and oregano.
- Toss everything gently to coat the salad in the dressing.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top for a finishing touch.
5. Serve:
- Slice the mince roll into thick pieces and serve alongside the fresh garden salad.
- Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy a balanced, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion:
This Savory Mince Roll with Crisp Garden Salad combines rich, meaty flavors with the freshness of a garden salad to create a perfectly balanced meal. The juicy mince roll, infused with bacon, cheese, and pickles, is a crowd-pleaser, while the salad provides a refreshing contrast. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this dish is great for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want to enjoy a flavorful homemade meal.