Veal Stew – a delicious and comforting recipe
Total time: 10 hours (including marinating time)
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4-6
Who doesn’t love a flavorful stew that delights the senses and offers a sense of comfort? Veal stew is a classic dish with a rich history that brings together culinary traditions from various corners of the world. This recipe is not only simple but also accessible, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 kg veal stew meat (chunks of veal)
- 1 cup red wine (for marinating)
- 100 g red wine (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- Peppercorns (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 boiled potato (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparation
1. Marinating the meat
In a large bowl, combine the veal with a cup of red wine, a tablespoon of soy sauce, salt, peppercorns, and a bay leaf. Ensure every piece of meat is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight. This marinating process helps the meat become more tender and absorb the flavors.
2. Preparing the meat for cooking
The next day, remove the meat from the marinade and rinse it under cold water to remove excess sauce. Place the chunks of meat in a baking dish. Add 100 g of red wine, salt, peppercorns, and a bay leaf. Cover the dish with a lid or, if unavailable, with aluminum foil. This step is essential to retain moisture during cooking.
3. Cooking in the oven
Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the dish in the oven and let it cook on low heat for 2 hours. Occasionally check if you need to add water or wine to prevent the meat from burning. The meat is done when it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
4. Thickening the sauce
About 10 minutes before turning off the oven, prepare the sauce. If using cornstarch, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of tomato paste, then add the mixture to the meat dish. If you prefer a natural option, you can mash a boiled potato and add it to the sauce. This will thicken the sauce and add a creamy texture.
5. Serving
Once the stew is ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and color. You can serve the veal stew alongside mashed potatoes, polenta, or fresh bread, which will be perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Practical Tips
- Choosing the wine: Opt for a quality red wine, as its flavor will influence the stew's aroma. A Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent choices.
- Checking the tenderness of the meat: Each piece of veal may have a different cooking time, so it’s important to test tenderness with a fork. If needed, you can let the meat cook longer.
- Variations in ingredients: You can also add vegetables such as carrots or celery to provide extra flavor and nutrients. These can be added in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Benefits
Veal stew is an excellent source of quality protein, essential for muscle health and maintaining a balanced diet. It also contains important vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which help maintain energy and a healthy immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pork instead of veal?
Yes, you can use pork, but the cooking time may vary, so check the meat's tenderness.
How can I store veal stew?
The stew can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the flavor will intensify as it sits. You can also freeze it for later use.
What drinks pair well with veal stew?
A dry red wine is the ideal choice, but you can also opt for a light beer or fresh lemonade to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
A Personal Note
I discovered this recipe one evening when I decided to cook something special for a family gathering. We had many wonderful moments, laughter, and stories around the table, and the veal stew was the star of the evening. Every time I make it, I think of those moments and wish to recreate them. This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a way to bring people together.
With each serving, I wish for you to create not just a delicious meal but also unforgettable memories! Enjoy your meal!
Total time: 10 hours (including marinating time)
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4-6
Who doesn’t love a flavorful stew that delights the senses and offers a sense of comfort? Veal stew is a classic dish with a rich history that brings together culinary traditions from various corners of the world. This recipe is not only simple but also accessible, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 kg veal stew meat (chunks of veal)
- 1 cup red wine (for marinating)
- 100 g red wine (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- Peppercorns (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 boiled potato (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparation
1. Marinating the meat
In a large bowl, combine the veal with a cup of red wine, a tablespoon of soy sauce, salt, peppercorns, and a bay leaf. Ensure every piece of meat is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight. This marinating process helps the meat become more tender and absorb the flavors.
2. Preparing the meat for cooking
The next day, remove the meat from the marinade and rinse it under cold water to remove excess sauce. Place the chunks of meat in a baking dish. Add 100 g of red wine, salt, peppercorns, and a bay leaf. Cover the dish with a lid or, if unavailable, with aluminum foil. This step is essential to retain moisture during cooking.
3. Cooking in the oven
Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the dish in the oven and let it cook on low heat for 2 hours. Occasionally check if you need to add water or wine to prevent the meat from burning. The meat is done when it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
4. Thickening the sauce
About 10 minutes before turning off the oven, prepare the sauce. If using cornstarch, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of tomato paste, then add the mixture to the meat dish. If you prefer a natural option, you can mash a boiled potato and add it to the sauce. This will thicken the sauce and add a creamy texture.
5. Serving
Once the stew is ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and color. You can serve the veal stew alongside mashed potatoes, polenta, or fresh bread, which will be perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Practical Tips
- Choosing the wine: Opt for a quality red wine, as its flavor will influence the stew's aroma. A Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent choices.
- Checking the tenderness of the meat: Each piece of veal may have a different cooking time, so it’s important to test tenderness with a fork. If needed, you can let the meat cook longer.
- Variations in ingredients: You can also add vegetables such as carrots or celery to provide extra flavor and nutrients. These can be added in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Benefits
Veal stew is an excellent source of quality protein, essential for muscle health and maintaining a balanced diet. It also contains important vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which help maintain energy and a healthy immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pork instead of veal?
Yes, you can use pork, but the cooking time may vary, so check the meat's tenderness.
How can I store veal stew?
The stew can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the flavor will intensify as it sits. You can also freeze it for later use.
What drinks pair well with veal stew?
A dry red wine is the ideal choice, but you can also opt for a light beer or fresh lemonade to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
A Personal Note
I discovered this recipe one evening when I decided to cook something special for a family gathering. We had many wonderful moments, laughter, and stories around the table, and the veal stew was the star of the evening. Every time I make it, I think of those moments and wish to recreate them. This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a way to bring people together.
With each serving, I wish for you to create not just a delicious meal but also unforgettable memories! Enjoy your meal!