Veal stew in a slow cooker

Veal stew in a slow cooker - a comforting delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 6 hours
Total time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

I invite you to discover a slow cooker veal stew recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. This recipe is not only simple but will pamper you with deep flavors and a wonderful texture. Veal stew is a classic dish loved by many, with a long-standing history. Slow cooking allows the flavors to blend perfectly, providing you with a delicious meal that requires minimal effort on your part.

We start with the main ingredients, which we will analyze in a bit more detail:

Ingredients:
- 700 g veal (choose meat with a little fat for a rich taste)
- 2-3 carrots (opt for fresh and crunchy carrots)
- 3 small onions (whole, to add sweetness)
- 1 large red onion (adds a splash of color and more intense flavor)
- 4 cloves of garlic (pressed, for flavor)
- 3 tablespoons of flour (to dust the meat)
- 1 teaspoon of hot pepper jam (will balance the flavors)
- 100 g sun-dried tomatoes (adds a touch of umami)
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground cumin (for a deep flavor)
- freshly ground pepper (to preference)
- 3-4 bay leaves (for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of tomato paste (to enhance color)
- 200 ml red wine (choose a quality wine for better taste)
- 400 g small mushrooms (leave them whole for texture)
- fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:
1. Preparing the meat: Cut the veal into suitable cubes, about 3-4 cm each. Place the cubes in a resealable bag, add the flour, seal the bag, and shake well to coat the meat evenly with flour. This step will help achieve a nice texture at the end.

2. Browning the meat: Heat a little olive oil in a deep pan. Add the pressed garlic cloves and sauté them briefly, then add the floured meat. Brown the meat on all sides to seal in the juices and add a deeper flavor.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Peel and wash the carrots. Slice them into rounds, and the red onion into slices. Leave the small onions whole to caramelize nicely during cooking.

4. Assembling the stew: In the slow cooker, place the browned meat, add the sliced vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, cumin, pepper, and bay leaves. Pour the wine over all the ingredients and sprinkle the hot pepper rounds.

5. Slow cooking: Cover the pot and set it to the Low function, allowing it to cook for 6 hours. This time allows the flavors to develop and blend harmoniously.

6. Adding the mushrooms: An hour before the cooking time is up, add the whole mushrooms and the teaspoon of hot pepper jam. These will provide a surprise note and a balanced taste.

7. Finishing and serving: After the cooking time is up, the slow cooker will automatically switch to the keep warm function. You can serve the stew with freshly chopped parsley on top, alongside a portion of polenta or a slice of crusty bread.

Personal note:
This veal stew is truly a comforting dish. I recommend trying it with a glass of the red wine you used for cooking, to complete the culinary experience. Also, if you enjoy spicier flavors, feel free to add more hot peppers or even a bit of hot sauce at serving.

Nutritional benefits:
Veal is an excellent source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, and iron. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, beneficial for eye health. Mushrooms add fiber and antioxidants, while red wine, consumed in moderation, is associated with cardiovascular benefits.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pork or chicken instead of veal?
- Yes, you can adapt the recipe to other types of meat, but the cooking time may vary.

2. How can I store leftovers?
- Let the stew cool well and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for a month.

3. What side dishes pair best?
- Polenta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad are all excellent options to accompany this stew.

4. How can I make the recipe healthier?
- Replace some of the meat with additional vegetables or use less oil for browning.

This slow cooker veal stew recipe is perfect for a family meal, a special dinner, or simply to indulge yourself on cooler days. I encourage you to try it and savor every bite!