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Beef Rotolo with Spinach & Walnuts

Looking for a dish that’s equal parts show-stopping and nourishing? This Spinach & Walnut Beef Rotolo is your go-to. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or simply want to elevate a weeknight meal, these elegant beef rolls deliver rich, savoury flavour with a satisfying crunch. With ingredients that align beautifully with the Paleo lifestyle, this is a dish you’ll make time and again.

What Is Beef Rotolo?

Beef Rotolo is an Italian-inspired dish that typically involves beef slices rolled around a savoury filling. In this variation, the combination of earthy spinach, toasted walnuts, and umami-packed anchovies creates a deeply flavourful stuffing that complements the tender beef beautifully. The result is a nutritious, protein-rich dish that feels indulgent while remaining true to Paleo principles.

Perfect for Entertaining

When hosting guests, presentation is just as important as flavour. The great thing about Beef Rotolo is how visually striking it is. When sliced just before serving, the spiral of beef and green filling makes for a stunning centrepiece. It also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from roasted root vegetables to fresh green salads.

This dish can be prepped several hours in advance, which takes the pressure off when guests arrive. Just make sure to tie the rolls securely with kitchen string to avoid any filling escaping during cooking. Once it’s time to serve, a quick slice reveals the beautiful layers inside.

Customising the Filling

The original recipe uses spinach and walnuts, but there’s plenty of room to personalise your filling while staying Paleo. For instance, you could add:

  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a hint of sweetness
  • Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist
  • Bell peppers (capsicum) for added colour and crunch
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fragrant boost

Anchovies might seem like a bold choice, but don’t skip them unless you absolutely must. They melt into the filling and bring a savoury depth that doesn’t taste fishy at all. They simply enhance the overall umami richness of the dish.

Why This Recipe Works for the Paleo Diet

All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free, aligning it perfectly with a Paleo lifestyle. Unlike traditional meat rolls that may use breadcrumbs or cheese, this version focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods:

  • Beef provides a complete source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and B12.
  • Spinach adds fibre and antioxidants, supporting digestion and immune health.
  • Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lend a satisfying crunch to the filling.
  • Anchovies add flavour and natural salt, reducing the need for added sodium.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tricks to make sure your Beef Rotolo turns out perfectly every time:

  • Use thin beef slices: Ask your butcher to cut your beef thinly for rolling, or tenderise it at home with a meat mallet.
  • Toast the walnuts: Toasting walnuts in a dry pan for a couple of minutes brings out their nutty flavour and adds texture.
  • Roll tightly and tie securely: This ensures the filling stays put and the roll holds its shape during cooking.
  • Let it rest: Once cooked, let the rolls rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing cleaner.
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5 from 1 vote

Recipe: spinach & walnut beef rotolo

This Spinach & Walnut Beef Rotolo is a delicious and impressive Paleo dinner option. Perfect for entertaining, these beef rolls can be prepared in advance and cooked just before serving. The combination of spinach, walnuts, and beef creates a flavorful and nutritious dish.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Entertaining
Cuisine: Paleo
Keyword: Entertaining Dinner Recipe, Healthy Beef Rotolo, Paleo Beef Rolls, Spinach Walnut Beef Rotolo
Servings: 8
Calories: 350kcal
Cost: $30

Equipment

  • Pan
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cheesecloth or clean tea towel
  • String

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of spinach silverbeet or English
  • dash of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium brown onion finely diced
  • Handful of walnuts chopped,
  • 50 g anchovies chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1.5 kg of topside beef

Instructions

  • Prepare the Spinach: First, steam the spinach until tender. Then, squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible using a cheesecloth or clean tea towel. Dice the spinach as finely as possible.
  • Cook the Filling: In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Fry the diced onion until soft. Next, add the chopped walnuts, anchovies, and fresh rosemary. Cook for another minute or two, stirring continuously.
  • Combine and Cool: Stir in the diced spinach and allow the mixture to cool.
  • Prepare the Beef: Using a rolling pin, pound the steaks to make them as thin as possible.
  • Assemble the Rotolo: Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the steaks. Then, roll up the steaks tightly, trying not to let too much of the spinach mixture squeeze out. Use string to tightly tie the rolls up.
  • Cook the Rotolo: Barbecue with the lid down until tender. Make sure to remove the string before serving!

Serving Suggestions

These beef rolls are delicious served hot, but they’re also excellent at room temperature, making them a great option for buffets or potlucks. Serve with:

  • A simple side salad with a lemon and olive oil dressing
  • Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables
  • Mashed sweet potato for a warming side
  • A tangy tomato salsa to contrast the richness of the beef

Make It a Meal

Planning a full Paleo dinner around these Spinach & Walnut Beef Rolls? Here’s how to round out the meal:

  • Starter: Roasted cauliflower soup with a touch of garlic and thyme
  • Main: Spinach & Walnut Beef Rotolo
  • Side: Chargrilled zucchini ribbons with lemon zest
  • Dessert: Baked apples with cinnamon and chopped nuts

This combination keeps the meal balanced and nutrient-dense, all while staying completely Paleo-compliant.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare with a dish this good), they’ll keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven covered with foil at 180°C for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also enjoy the slices cold for a protein-rich lunchbox option.

A Crowd-Pleaser for All Occasions

Beef Rotolo with Spinach and Walnuts isn’t just for dinner parties. It’s perfect for:

  • Meal prep: Make a batch and slice throughout the week
  • Picnics: Serve cold or at room temperature as part of a Paleo picnic spread
  • Celebrations: Add it to your festive table for a protein-packed alternative to traditional roasts

This recipe adapts well to all sorts of occasions, and the impressive presentation makes it seem more difficult than it actually is. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll feel confident making it again and again.

Reader Tips and Variations

I love hearing how you adapt this recipe! Some readers have shared great ideas:

  • Swapping spinach for kale or silverbeet
  • Adding crushed garlic to the walnut mix for extra zing
  • Using grass-fed veal slices for a more tender bite
  • Mixing in pine nuts or pecans for variation in texture

Have you tried something different? Let me know in the comments section below. Your creativity is always welcome here.

Looking for More Dinner Inspiration?

If you’re always on the hunt for hearty and healthy Paleo meals, be sure to check out this round-up of 73 Paleo Dinner Ideas. From stews to stir-fries, there’s something for every taste and season.

Conclusion

Creating this Spinach & Walnut Beef Rotolo is a satisfying way to bring elegance and nutrition to your dining table. With minimal prep and maximum flavour, it’s a standout recipe whether you’re eating solo or feeding a crowd. Packed with wholesome ingredients and simple to customise, it ticks all the boxes for a go-to Paleo dinner. Enjoy the process, share the results, and don’t forget to tie that string tight!

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Phytic Acid & The Paleo Diet

There are many benefits to adhering to the Paleo diet as a means of getting rid of body fat and helping to reduce the likelihood of a number of illnesses. One of the benefits of the Paleo diet is that it can help to reduce phytic acid intake. It obliterates foods which are full of phytic acid in favour of those which contain low levels such as fruits and vegetables.

Phytic acid is highly obstructive as it has the ability to stop essential minerals from being absorbed. These minerals include magnesium, iron and calcium, which are important as part of any healthy diet. Phytic acid binds itself to these minerals and as our bodies can’t break them down, it can result in a number of health issues. There are many people who consume high levels of cereal, as they believe that this is beneficial to the health but in fact these are one of the main culprits of phytic acid. As a result, they can actually prove to be quite damaging to the health. As our ancestors substituted cereals for other healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits, it was a much healthier way of living which is why the Paleo diet is the best one to follow.

The health issues which can result from a diet which is high in phytic acid include PMS, stomach cramps and skin problems, which can be very detrimental for our quality of life. There are many people who also suffer from anaemia, which is caused by iron deficiency and it is believed that this could be caused through a high phytic acid diet. The Paleo diet promotes an eating plan which minimises the intake of foods which contain phytic acid, in order to promote a healthier lifestyle.

The right diet is the most important way of maintaining good health and more often than not, most of us will reach for the painkillers when we feel unwell, rather than getting to the root cause of the problem.   There are certain foods which are extremely high in phytic acid and these are best to completely stay clear of when following the Paleo diet. The most common of these are grains and legumes. These foods can be replaced with fruits, vegetables and nuts and seeds, which are full of minerals and antioxidants.

Phytic Acid and the Paleo Diet – nuts, soaking

Nuts and seeds are quite high offenders when it comes to levels of phytic acid but you can minimise these by soaking them in purified water. Nuts are full of health benefits, but should only be eaten in moderation; otherwise they will be counter productive.  As far back as our ancestors, people were soaking their nuts and seeds and as the reason behind the Paleo diet is to go back to our roots, it is a ritual we should bear in mind when trying to reduce our intake of phytic acid. The best way to achieve this is to soak the nuts in purified water, cover them and add sea salt. You should then give them a rinse and drain them, before putting them in the oven at the lowest possible temperature. It may seem like a bit of a lengthy process, but the benefits to help are worth taking these steps.

In order to really get the balance between the right nutrients and lowering levels of phytic acid, it is worth educating ourselves on the content of our foods so we are more aware of whether or not they will be detrimental to our health. There are plenty of nutritious foods to eat as part of the Paleo diet, which will result in noticeable changes to your health and fitness levels. Good combinations of the right foods, together with an exercise plan will not only improve your appearance, but will also help you to enjoy a longer and more fulfilling lifestyle.

If you find any of the foods on the Paleo diet are bland, you can always season them with apple cider vinegar as this is a tasty substitute to high calorie mayonnaise and it offers lots of health benefits. It can take a while to get used to following the diet, but it can be really beneficial to the body and appearance. It will soon become a way of life and reducing phytic acid levels is just one of the many benefits of following this simple but effective diet.

How Phytic Acid Affects Nutrient Absorption

Phytic acid, also known as phytate when in salt form, is often found in the outer layer of seeds, nuts, legumes, and grains. While it serves a protective function in plants, its impact on human health is more complex. Once ingested, phytic acid binds to positively charged minerals like zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron — forming insoluble complexes that the body cannot absorb. This effectively reduces the bioavailability of these essential minerals, even when your diet includes an otherwise adequate intake.

Over time, consistent consumption of foods high in phytic acid can contribute to deficiencies, particularly for individuals who are already at risk of low mineral levels. This is especially concerning for women (due to menstrual blood loss and pregnancy), children, athletes, and those recovering from illness. The Paleo diet naturally avoids high-phytate foods by steering clear of legumes and grains, making it a practical approach to maintaining mineral balance without the need for supplementation.

Modern Misconceptions About ‘Health Foods’

Marketing has led many people to believe that breakfast cereals, wholegrain bread, and granola bars are healthy daily staples. Yet, these products often contain high levels of phytic acid due to the processing of wheat, oats, soy, or other legumes. While fortified with synthetic vitamins and minerals, the phytic acid content can still impair absorption, particularly in the case of non-heme iron — the type found in plant foods.

When viewed through a Paleo lens, these so-called health foods lose their appeal. By focusing on bioavailable nutrients from natural sources — such as leafy greens, animal proteins, and fermented or properly prepared nuts — the Paleo diet offers a far more effective way to nourish the body without interfering with digestion or mineral uptake.

Traditional Practices for Reducing Phytic Acid

Long before modern science understood the implications of phytic acid, traditional cultures developed food preparation techniques that naturally reduced its levels. Soaking, sprouting, fermenting, and slow-cooking were commonplace, especially for legumes and grains. These methods activate phytase, an enzyme that breaks down phytate and helps release the bound minerals.

While Paleo largely avoids grains and legumes, nuts and seeds are still included — though in moderation. Applying the same ancestral wisdom of soaking and low-temperature dehydrating allows you to enjoy these foods without the same anti-nutrient load. If you regularly consume almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, it’s worth adopting a soaking routine as part of your food prep rituals.

Meal Planning for Low Phytic Acid Living

Creating balanced Paleo meals that avoid phytic acid and support optimal nutrition is easier than it sounds. Here are some simple ideas:

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with sautéed kale and mushrooms, plus half an avocado
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast over a salad of rocket, cucumber, beetroot, and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted sweet potato and steamed broccoli
  • Snack: A small handful of soaked and dehydrated cashews or macadamias

These meals are rich in micronutrients, contain minimal to no phytic acid, and offer plenty of fibre and healthy fats — all essential for sustained energy and long-term wellness.

The Long-Term Benefits of Reducing Phytic Acid

In addition to improving nutrient absorption, reducing dietary phytic acid can lead to noticeable improvements in energy, mood, skin clarity, and digestion. Many people who switch to Paleo report a reduction in bloating, fatigue, and cravings, especially when high-phytate foods are eliminated. Over time, the cumulative benefits of improved mineral status can lead to stronger immunity, better hormonal balance, and increased bone density.

Furthermore, minimising anti-nutrients like phytates can be particularly important for those with gut conditions such as IBS, SIBO, or leaky gut syndrome. By removing dietary irritants, the gut lining has a chance to heal and absorb nutrients more effectively — often leading to fewer symptoms and better overall resilience.

Final Thoughts on Phytic Acid and the Paleo Diet

Reducing phytic acid is just one of many advantages to living Paleo. By emphasising whole, nutrient-dense foods that don’t compete with your body’s ability to absorb essential minerals, you’re building a strong foundation for lifelong health. It’s not about restriction — it’s about making food choices that align with how our bodies evolved to thrive.

If you’re just beginning your Paleo journey, don’t stress about perfection. Focus first on removing the obvious offenders — cereals, bread, legumes — and get comfortable with preparing whole meals from scratch. Over time, you can add in practices like soaking nuts and rotating seasonal produce for even better results.

Have you noticed changes in your health since lowering your intake of phytic acid? Share your experiences in the comments — it’s always inspiring to hear how small shifts in diet can lead to meaningful transformations.

Smart Ways to Add More Healthy Fat to Your Paleo Diet

A big factor in my own weight loss and controlling my hunger has been increasing my fat intake. I find that when I eat more fat, I am full for far longer, don’t feel hungry, feel more energetic and have much better weight loss results.

So many foods are actually high in protein, not fat. As excess protein is converted into glucose, I'm careful to not eat more protein than I need to – which makes it even more important to increase fat intake.

Exactly how do you add more fat to your diet?

Dairy is a popular source of fat, so a key factor is how well you tolerate fat. You may be better on a strict Paleo diet, with no dairy – or on a lacto-Paleo (or Primal diet), which allows the inclusion of dairy. Weston A Price is also an approach which includes dairy. Instead of being strict about it for the sake of being strict, I think it’s far more important to learn how your body tolerates (or does not tolerate) dairy. I used to avoid all forms of dairy, recently however, I've been experimenting with dairy, specifically butter, which I’ve been eating with most of my meals. If you do decide to have dairy, make sure it’s good quality, perhaps you can have raw dairy, where you live.
10 (and a Half) Ways to Add More Fat to Your Diet paleo diet LCHF low carb high fat

Top 10 ½ ways to add more fat to your diet:

1. Avocados

Avocados are a great source of fat – and very versatile. You can eat them on their own with a spoon, or sliced up alongside your dinner. Or you can get inventive and cook a curry with avocado, or even make a smoothie or mousse with avocado.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is such a good oil – and being stable at high temperatures, great to cook with. When you cook in coconut oil, be generous with your serving – and if you've cooked meat for example, pour the remaining oil over the meat before you serve it.

3. Coconut Milk

If you like the taste, coconut milk or cream is a good base for many meals and smoothies. In fact, coconut is a great source of fat generally, get some coconut flakes to snack on!

 4. Animal Fats

Perhaps the best fat sources, lard, tallow, mutton fat, bacon fat and even goose fat (though careful with the omega ratio) are great to cook in.

 5. Butter (and ghee)

Butter is my current favourite. I add a generous wedge of butter to all of my vegetables just before I serve them. Many of the nutritional goodness of vegetables is fat soluble, so adding fat to your veggies is a good way of making sure you get the maximum nutritious benefit. Butter can be added to almost anything – and it tastes great.

6. Olive Oil

Whilst I wouldn't cook with it, olive oil is fantastic to dress a salad in. Sprinkle on a few nuts, add a boiled egg, some meat, avocado and perhaps some cheese and you can make a big improvement to the fat content of a salad.

7. Pork Crackling

Not only does pork rind taste great, it’s another good source of fat. A word of caution though – it’s really important with pork to ensure it’s high quality – ideally pasture raised and organic.

8. Eggs

Eggs are a great fat (and protein) source. Just make sure you eat the yolk! If I make cauliflower rice I often stir in an egg just before I finish cooking it as a hidden boost.

9. Bones

Ok, so I'm not suggesting chewing on bones, but some good quality grass-fed bones make a great bone broth full of good fat.

10. Nuts

Whilst you have to be careful with nuts as they can have a poor Omega 3/ Omega 6 ratio – and they can be easy to over indulge in – they are a great fat source. I prepare a small serving of nuts to take to work with me, making sure I have a good mix to ensure I get the different nutritional benefit each type gives.

10 ½. Nut Butters

On a similar thread, nut butters such as almond, cashew and macadamia are also good, with the same note of caution about the Omega balance.

I’d love to hear your views on eating more fat. How much fat would you estimate you eat, and what are your top sources?

Why Adding More Fat to Your Paleo Diet Matters

When you're following a Paleo or LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) lifestyle, increasing your fat intake isn't just allowed — it's encouraged. Fat is a dense source of energy that helps keep you full, supports brain function, and allows for better absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. Many people transitioning from a standard low-fat or high-carb diet find that adding more healthy fat can be a game-changer for energy levels, mood, and even weight loss.

But not all fats are created equal. That’s why focusing on nutrient-dense, whole-food sources of fat — like avocado, coconut oil, ghee, eggs, and fatty cuts of pasture-raised meat — aligns perfectly with the Paleo template.

The trick is to make small, intentional changes to each meal. Instead of trying to add a huge portion of fat all at once, think about layering it in: drizzle olive oil over roasted veggies, cook your breakfast in bacon fat, or stir some coconut milk into your post-workout smoothie. These simple shifts can make a big difference over time.

If you’re not used to a higher fat intake, build up slowly and observe how your body responds. Everyone’s tolerance and optimal levels vary — and that’s completely fine. Remember, this way of eating is about nourishing your body in a way that feels sustainable.

Are you eating enough fat on your Paleo diet? Let me know your favourite sources of healthy fat in the comments below — I’d love to try some new ideas.

Fat Isn’t the Enemy — It’s a Paleo Superpower

One of the biggest mindset shifts when going Paleo is learning to embrace fat as a friend, not a foe. For many Australians following a low-carb or ancestral diet, adding more healthy fats isn’t just about flavour — it’s about satiety, stable energy, better focus, and even improved results with fat loss and hormone health.

The key is quality over quantity. Choosing fats from grass-fed animals, wild-caught fish, unrefined oils, and whole food sources like avocado and nuts gives your body the fuel it needs — without the inflammatory load of processed seed oils or trans fats.

If you’ve been wary of increasing your fat intake, try easing it in: sauté veg in ghee, top your salad with olive oil and crushed walnuts, or blend MCT oil into your morning brew. You might be surprised just how much better you feel.

What are your go-to ways to add fat to your meals? Drop your favourites in the comments — I’d love to discover some new ideas from the community.

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