Ham and mozzarella rolls
Delicious rolls with pork tenderloin and mozzarella - A perfect snack for any occasion
If you are looking for a simple yet tasty and versatile recipe, you have come to the right place! These rolls with pork tenderloin and mozzarella are ideal for a school lunch, an office snack, or even a perfect treat for a hike. They will quickly become your favorites, thanks to their intense flavor and fluffy texture. Let's get started!
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 rolls
Necessary ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g white flour (preferably type 650 for a finer texture)
- 7 g dry yeast
- 300 ml lukewarm mineral water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 5 slices of pork tenderloin (or your preferred type of ham)
- 150 g mozzarella (ideally fresh for better taste)
- 100 g cheese (you can choose between smoked or classic cheese, depending on your preferences)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (or pizza sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for brushing)
Preparing the dough
1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, adding the salt, sugar, and dry yeast. This step is essential to activate the yeast and achieve a fluffy dough.
2. Gradually pour in the lukewarm mineral water, continuously mixing with a spatula or your hands until you have a smooth and elastic dough.
3. Finally, incorporate the olive oil, which will add a subtle flavor and a softer texture to the dough.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 40 minutes. You will know it’s ready when it doubles in volume.
Preparing the filling
1. In the meantime, prepare the filling. Cut the pork tenderloin into small cubes, and cut or grate the mozzarella, depending on your preferences.
2. Grate the cheese with a fine grater so it melts evenly during baking.
3. Prepare a mixture with the tomato paste, adding a pinch of salt and a bit of pepper to enhance the flavor.
Assembling the rolls
1. Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and turn the dough out onto it.
2. Roll out the dough into a rectangular sheet, about 5 mm thick. If you prefer smaller rolls, you can cut the dough in half and roll out two smaller sheets.
3. Using a spatula or spoon, evenly spread the tomato paste over the dough, leaving a 1-2 cm margin on each side.
4. Sprinkle the cubes of pork tenderloin, mozzarella, and grated cheese evenly over the dough.
5. Roll the dough tightly, starting from one corner, to form a cylinder. Make sure the roll is well-tightened so it doesn’t unravel during baking.
Baking
1. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into slices about 2 cm thick.
2. Arrange the rolls in order on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to expand during baking.
3. Beat the egg in a small bowl and, using a brush, glaze the rolls with the beaten egg to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.
4. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes or until they are golden and baked through.
Finishing and serving
1. Once the rolls are ready, take them out of the oven and cover them hot with 2-3 thick towels. This trick will keep them soft and fluffy.
2. You can serve the rolls warm, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce for a perfect combination.
3. If you want to enjoy them later, you can store them in an airtight container, and when you decide to eat them, you can warm them up for a few minutes in the oven.
Useful tips
- You can experiment with different fillings, adding sautéed vegetables, olives, or herbs, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a vegetarian option, replace the pork tenderloin with vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- The rolls can be frozen after they have completely cooled. I recommend placing them in an airtight plastic bag to avoid freezer burn.
Nutritional benefits
These rolls are not only delicious but also nutritious. The whole wheat flour used provides fiber, while the filling with cheese and meat ensures essential proteins. Mozzarella, for example, is a good source of calcium, while pork tenderloin offers a healthy portion of iron.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of flour?
Of course! You can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, keeping in mind that the texture and taste may vary.
2. Can I prepare the rolls in advance?
Yes! You can make them a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When you are ready to serve them, just warm them up a bit.
3. What can I pair the rolls with?
The rolls are excellent served alongside a green salad or a creamy soup. A fresh lemonade or a fruit smoothie are perfect drinks to complement the meal.
In conclusion, these rolls with pork tenderloin and mozzarella are an excellent choice for any time of day. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. I wish you happy cooking and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: For the dough: 500g flour, 7g dry yeast, 300ml lukewarm mineral water, 3 tablespoons oil, salt, 1 teaspoon sugar. For the filling: 5 slices of pork tenderloin (or any other ham you prefer), 150g mozzarella, 100g cheese, 3 tablespoons tomato puree, salt, pepper, 1 egg.