Printed from Relishmag.com on 7/21/2007

Rosa di Parma (Filled Beef Tenderloin)

We added spinach to this traditional dish, which is served in Italy for special occasions. Served with its pan juices, it pairs perfectly with potatoes. Proscuitto (Italian for “ham”) is a seasoned salt-cured ham served very thinly sliced. Although it has a distinct flavor, you can use any thinly sliced ham in its place.

Ingredients
1 (2 1/2-pound) beef tenderloin
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly ground black pepper
1 (3-ounce) package sliced proscuitto
6 ounces grated Parmigiana-Reggiano cheese
2 cups baby spinach leaves (about 4 ounces)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon butter
½ cup brandy
Rosemary sprigs
½ cup beef broth

Instructions
1. Butterfly beef with a sharp, thin bladed knife, by cutting lengthwise down center of tenderloin; open like a book. Cover with parchment and pound until beef is about 1/4-inch thick.
2. Stir together olive oil and garlic. Brush beef with half of garlic oil. Sprinkle with pepper.
3. Arrange prosciutto over entire surface of beef. Top with Parmigiano-Reggiano and spinach leaves. Carefully roll meat lengthwise into a long slender roll. Using kitchen twine, tie to secure.
4. Mix together salt, sage and chopped rosemary and rub into surface of meat. Combine remaining garlic oil and butter in a Dutch oven or deep skillet; place over medium heat. Add beef, turning to brown all sides.
5. Add brandy and sprigs of rosemary to pan and allow brandy to reduce. Pour in beef broth. Continue to cook, turning and basting with pan juices about 30 minutes for rare (140F) or longer for desired doneness. Let stand 10 minutes. Remove twine and cut into slices. Serves 8.


"Relish a Classic Flavor," April 2006.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 373 calories, 20g fat, 38g prot., 4g carbs., 1g fiber, 849mg sodium.

We tried this 20 July 07; served it with little red potatoes and oven roasted asparagus (ck. vegetables) and a baby spinach salad with vinegar-apple jelly dressing.  (note: my pan drippings got burned)