Veal Stew (Or Beef, or Pork) With Olives and Ouzo
Cook Time: 33 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Description
Indulge in the flavors of Greece with this delightful Veal Stew with Olives and Ouzo. Perfect for those who appreciate a quick-cooking dish that doesn’t compromise on taste, this recipe offers the flexibility to use veal, sirloin, or a tender cut of pork. The result is a rich, savory stew with a hint of Mediterranean charm that is bound to become a favorite in your household. 🍲✨
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 1 tablespoon butter 🧈
- 1 1/2 pounds veal (or beef, or pork), cubed 🍖
- 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
- 2 tablespoons capers 🌸
- 1 cup tomato juice 🍅
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 🍷
- 2 tablespoons paprika 🌶️
- 1 cup water 💧
- 1 cup pitted black olives 🫒
- 1 ounce ouzo (optional but highly recommended) 🥃
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 323.6 kcal
- Fat Content: 18.6 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.6 g
- Cholesterol Content: 154.8 mg
- Sodium Content: 510.1 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 4.2 g
- Fiber Content: 1.1 g
- Sugar Content: 1.5 g
- Protein Content: 33.6 g
Servings
- Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Brown the Meat:
Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed veal (or chosen meat) and brown it evenly on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the ouzo over the meat and onions, allowing it to deglaze the pan while infusing the dish with its unique flavor. 🍳🔥 -
Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle the dried basil over the meat and onions. Add the capers, tomato juice, and red wine vinegar to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Add the paprika, adjusting the amount to taste depending on how much spice you prefer. 🥄🌿 -
Simmer:
Pour in about 1 cup of water to the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 25 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid. You might need to add a bit more water if it looks like it’s drying out. 🍲⏲️ -
Add Olives:
After 25 minutes, add the pitted black olives to the skillet. Stir them into the stew and let it simmer for an additional 5-6 minutes. The olives will lend a briny richness to the sauce. 🫒⏱️ -
Finish the Sauce:
Carefully remove the onion pieces from the skillet. Using a blender or food processor, puree the onions until smooth. Return the pureed onions to the skillet, stirring well to integrate them into the sauce. This will give the sauce a velvety texture and deeper flavor. 🍲🔄 -
Serve:
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. 🌿🍽️
Enjoy your Veal Stew with Olives and Ouzo, a dish that brings the warmth and richness of Greek cuisine right to your table. Kali orexi! 🇬🇷🍷
