Veal in tomato sauce

Beef tongue in tomato sauce - a classic and comforting recipe

If you are looking for a savory recipe that combines tradition with exquisite taste, then beef tongue in tomato sauce is the perfect choice. This dish is not only delicious but also rich in history, with deep roots in traditional cuisine. It is a recipe that has been passed down through generations, and today I will show you how to prepare it step by step. Although the preparation time is longer, the final result will be worth every minute invested.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Total time: 2-3 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Main ingredients:
- 500 g beef tongue
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes in juice
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 large onion
- a few fresh parsley leaves
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 glass of red wine
- spices: basil, thyme, salt, pepper, dried parsley

Preparation:

Step 1: Boiling the beef tongue
Start by washing the beef tongue well under a stream of cold water. Then, place it in a large pot with cold water and let it boil. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 2-3 hours until the tongue becomes tender. Check occasionally and add water if necessary. An important tip: you can add some spices like bay leaves or peppercorns to the boiling water to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Cleaning the tongue
After the tongue has boiled, remove it from the water and let it cool slightly. Use a sharp knife to remove the outer skin. It will come off easily. Once cleaned, slice the tongue thinly. Here you can add a personal touch: if you like a stronger flavor, you can marinate it for a few hours in red wine and spices.

Step 3: Preparing the sauce
In a food processor, add the onion, garlic, and fresh parsley. Chop them well until they become a paste. In a deep frying pan, heat the olive oil, add the onion and garlic mixture, and sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and the flavors are released.

Step 4: Adding the wine and tomato juice
Pour the glass of red wine into the pan and let it boil for 5 minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Then, add the diced tomatoes in juice and 3-4 ladles of the broth in which the tongue was boiled. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 5: Finishing the dish
Add the slices of beef tongue to the sauce in the pan. Season with basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and dried parsley to taste. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes so that the flavors meld together. Make sure the sauce does not thicken too much; if necessary, you can add a little of the boiling liquid.

Serving:
Beef tongue in tomato sauce is usually served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh tomato and onion salad. The mashed potatoes will absorb the delicious sauce, while the salad will add a note of freshness.

Useful tips:
- You can adapt the recipe by adding vegetables like carrots or celery to the sauce for a more complex flavor.
- Replace the red wine with white wine if you prefer a lighter sauce; the flavor will be different but equally good.
- If you like a spicy sauce, feel free to add some chopped chili or chili flakes.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe is an excellent source of protein and iron, essential for muscle health and the circulatory system. Beef tongue also contains B vitamins, which help maintain energy and brain health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pork tongue instead of beef?
Of course! Pork tongue will offer a different flavor, but it will be just as delicious.

2. How long can I keep the dish in the fridge?
You can keep beef tongue in tomato sauce in the fridge for 3-4 days. It is even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

3. What can I replace the wine with in the recipe?
If you do not consume alcohol, you can use grape juice or vegetable broth to add moisture and flavor.

This beef tongue in tomato sauce recipe is not just a dish, but a true culinary experience that will take you back to family meals filled with stories and laughter. I encourage you to try it and add your personal touch!