Veal stew in Port wine

Veal Stew in Port Wine: a special recipe for special moments

Total preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of savory cooking! Today, I will present to you a delicious and comforting recipe: Veal Stew in Port Wine. This dish is an excellent choice for a family dinner or to impress friends on a special occasion. A perfect combination of tender meat, rich flavors, and diverse textures, this stew will surely become a favorite.

A brief history

Stew is a type of dish found in many culinary cultures, with deep roots in home cooking tradition. It is usually made with meat and vegetables, slowly boiled to achieve a deep and complex flavor. Port wine, a sweet and aromatic wine, adds a special note to this dish, making it ideal for a festive meal. In today’s recipe, I chose to make a few modifications to bring a touch of innovation, replacing potatoes with carrots, which will add natural sweetness and a crunchy texture.

Necessary ingredients

- 600 g veal, cut into cubes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 Knorr cube (parsley and garlic)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 glass of Port wine (or sweet red wine)
- 1 glass of water
- Baby carrots, to taste
- Peas, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Preparing the stew

1. Heating the oil
Start by placing a medium pot on the heat. Add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and wait for it to heat up. It is important to use quality olive oil, as it will influence the final taste of the dish.

2. Searing the meat
When the oil is hot, add the veal cubes. Sear the meat for 5-7 minutes until it is evenly browned on all sides. This step is essential, as browning the meat will help develop rich flavors.

3. Adding the spices
Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent. Then add the Knorr cube, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. These ingredients will enhance the stew’s flavor.

4. Including the tomato paste
After the onion is ready, add the tomato paste and mix well. This ingredient will provide an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful color to the sauce.

5. Adding the liquids
Pour the glass of Port wine and the glass of water into the pot. Mix well to combine the ingredients. The wine will add sweetness and complexity, so don’t skip this step! It brings a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness.

6. Slow simmering
Allow the stew to simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. This is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the flavors that begin to develop. Check occasionally, adding water or wine if necessary, to ensure the meat cooks well.

7. Adding the vegetables
15 minutes before the cooking is finished, add the baby carrots and peas. These vegetables will add a contrast of textures and a note of freshness to the dish. If you prefer, you can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms.

8. Finalizing the dish
Once all the ingredients are cooked and the flavors have blended perfectly, remove the pot from the heat. Ensure that the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked but still crunchy.

Serving the stew

Serve the veal stew warm, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor. I recommend covering it with a side of basmati rice, which will absorb the delicious sauce. A slice of fresh bread on the side can also be a great idea to savor every drop of this savory dish.

Useful tips

- Choosing the wine: If you don’t have Port wine, you can use a sweet red wine, but make sure it has a rich flavor to complement the meat.
- Bacon variant: If you want to add more flavors, you can include some cubes of bacon or sausage in the recipe. These ingredients will add a smoky and delicious taste.
- The vegetables: You can experiment with different vegetables according to your preferences. Potatoes, celery, or zucchini are excellent options.
- Finding the balance of spices: Adjust the spices according to your taste. A splash of soy sauce or a few peppercorns can provide an extra dimension.

Nutritional information

This veal stew provides an excellent source of protein due to the veal, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion of rice served alongside. It is a balanced meal that offers energy and nutrients for an active day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use pork or chicken?
Yes, this recipe can be easily adapted. If you choose chicken, the cooking time will be shorter, so be careful not to overcook it.

2. How can I store the stew?
The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. It is delicious when reheated.

3. What drinks pair well with the stew?
A dry red wine or a pale beer can perfectly complement this dish. Also, a light cocktail, such as a spritz, can add a refreshing note.

This veal stew in Port wine is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that combines tradition with innovation. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen. Bon appétit!