National Dish Argentina: Matambre Arrollado (Recipe)
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Meet Matambre Arrollado, the rolled beef showpiece that turns up at every proper Argentinian gathering. A thin cut of steak is spread with a colourful filling of vegetables, herbs and hard-boiled egg, then rolled, tied and slowly roasted until juicy and fragrant. Sliced into spirals, it looks far more elaborate than it actually is to make — which is exactly why it has become a fixture at family celebrations and long weekend barbecues.
About Matambre Arrollado
Matambre Arrollado is a much-loved traditional dish from Argentina that has won over countless food lovers. At its heart is a rolled beef joint stuffed with a generous mix of vegetables, spices and fresh herbs. That combination gives you a juicy, deeply aromatic result that no Argentinian grill night should be without. It is also ideal for family celebrations, since it is straightforward to prepare yet looks genuinely impressive on the table.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 500 g beef steak (matambre cut, if you can get it)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 pepper, diced
- 2–3 carrots, grated
- 150 g spinach, fresh or frozen
- 2–3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 egg, hard-boiled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, oregano)
Shopping for the ingredients
For matambre arrollado it is worth choosing fresh, good-quality produce. Visit a local butcher to get the best beef steak — the flank-style matambre cut is the traditional choice. Look for fresh vegetables and herbs too, as they lift the flavour of the whole dish. It also pays to take a moment comparing different olive oils, since that choice has a real influence on the finished aroma.
Preparing the dish
The preparation for matambre arrollado takes a little time and patience, but it repays the effort. Start by gently pounding the beef steak to tenderise it and spread it out evenly. Then put your filling together from the chopped vegetables, the herbs and the boiled egg. Make sure everything is well combined so the flavours carry right through the roll — the same care that goes into a classic Arrollado De Carne.
Step-by-step instructions
- Spread out the beef steak and pound it to an even thickness.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion, pepper and carrots.
- Add the spinach and garlic and cook briefly until the spinach has wilted.
- Spoon the filling onto the steak and spread it out evenly.
- Roll the steak up and tie it securely with kitchen string.
- Brown it in a pan over medium heat until golden.
- Roast in the oven at 180°C for around 45 minutes.
- Let it rest briefly after cooking, then slice and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Matambre arrollado is easy to make gluten-free and lactose-free. Simply check that everything you use — the olive oil and the spices in particular — is certified gluten-free. Avoid rich cheeses in the filling, as these often contain lactose. If you want a creamy texture in the dish, plant-based alternatives such as nut creams or plant-based cream work beautifully.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although matambre arrollado is a meat dish, there are plenty of creative ways to build a vegan or vegetarian version. Replace the beef steak with a firm vegetable such as aubergine or courgette, rolled in the same way. For the filling, a combination of quinoa, vegetables and nuts adds both texture and depth of flavour. This variation makes for a delicious, wholesome alternative that gives up nothing in taste.
More tips and tricks
A few simple tips will make your matambre arrollado even better. Use fresh herbs to build a deeper dimension of flavour. Always let the roll rest after cooking so the juices settle and the slices hold together cleanly. A little inventiveness with the seasoning goes a long way too — it is the easiest way to bring the dish round to your own taste.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Matambre arrollado is highly adaptable and easy to tailor to personal preference. Experiment with different vegetables, or add a few of your favourite spices to the filling. Try a pinch of hot paprika or a special spice blend to give the dish a signature note. That way a traditional recipe becomes something genuinely your own.
Ingredient substitutions
There are many alternatives you can turn to when making matambre arrollado. Instead of beef steak, pork or chicken both work well. If onions are not your thing, try leeks or spring onions. When it comes to the filling there are no limits to your creativity — use tofu or a mix of vegetables to create exactly the combination you want.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off the matambre arrollado experience, the right drink matters. A good Argentinian Malbec is a superb match for the hearty beef. For an alcohol-free option, a refreshing lemon-and-lime cooler complements the flavours nicely. Homemade lemonade or a fresh iced tea are equally good company, and both refresh the palate between rich slices — as does a warm cup of Mate Cocido afterwards.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can raise the enjoyment of matambre arrollado considerably. Cut the roll into even, decorative slices and arrange them on a handsome platter. Fresh herbs or edible flowers make an attractive garnish. Serve it with sides of crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a harmonious spread — grilled Provoleta alongside makes the table look properly Argentinian.
A bit of history
Matambre arrollado has its roots in Argentinian cooking and stands for the country’s rich culinary traditions. The dish was originally made by gauchos, the Argentinian cowboys, who worked with whatever ingredients they had to hand. That tradition has endured over the years, and today matambre arrollado is a favourite at barbecues and family celebrations. It embodies the sociability and the sharing of food that run so deep in Argentinian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Matambre Arrollado
Matambre arrollado is a traditional Argentinian dish that wins people over with its juicy filling and its wonderful aroma. Whether for a festive meal or a relaxed evening at the grill, it is perfect for spoiling family and friends. From choosing the ingredients to the final slice, the steps above will help you bring an authentic taste of Argentina to your table. Give matambre arrollado a try and let the variety of Argentinian cooking win you over.
