Veal Roll with Walnuts – A Delicious Second Course Recipe
Serves: 4 | Category: Main Course
This Veal Roll with Walnuts is a delightful dish that pairs the tender, juicy veal with a rich stuffing of fontina cheese, parsley, and crunchy walnut kernels, all wrapped up into a succulent roast. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors that are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Veal rump (Fesa di vitello) | 800g |
| Fresh parsley (Prezzemolo) | 1 bunch |
| Milk (Latte) | 500ml |
| Ground black pepper (Pepe) | To taste |
| Fontina cheese (Fontina) | 120g |
| Walnuts (Gherigli di noci) | 40g |
| Cooked ham (Prosciutto cotto) | 120g |
| Fine salt (Sale fino) | To taste |
| Butter (Burro) | 10g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (Olio extravergine d’oliva) | 3 tbsp |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Veal
To start, take the veal rump and carefully slice it open to create a large, even piece, ensuring it’s about 1 cm thick (if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always ask your butcher to do this step for you). Once the veal is sliced, remove any excess fat from the edges, ensuring a smooth surface to work with.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
Now, prepare the filling for the veal. Begin by cutting the fontina cheese into thin slices. Then, chop the fresh parsley finely. Next, coarsely chop the walnuts to release their rich oils, ensuring they add texture and flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Veal Roll
Place the veal slice flat on a clean surface. On top, layer the fontina cheese slices, chopped parsley, and walnuts in this exact order, spreading them evenly across the veal. Add slices of cooked ham on top of the nuts for added flavor and moisture. Once the stuffing is evenly spread, carefully roll the veal up into a tight cylinder, securing the ends with kitchen twine.
Step 4: Sear the Veal Roll
In a large casserole or sauté pan, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, gently place the veal roll in the pan. Allow it to sear and brown on all sides, turning it to ensure even coloration. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in the juices.
Step 5: Season and Cook the Veal Roll
Once the veal roll is golden brown, season it generously with salt and pepper. Pour in the milk, ensuring the veal is partially submerged. Bring the milk to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cover the pan. Let the veal cook for about 40-45 minutes, turning the roll occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
Once the veal is cooked to perfection, remove the roll from the pan and keep it covered to stay warm. Take an immersion blender and blend the cooking liquid to create a smooth sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve the Veal Roll
Slice the veal roll into thick, even slices. Arrange the slices on a platter and pour the velvety sauce over them. Serve this hearty veal roll as the centerpiece of your meal, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Success
- For a richer flavor: You can substitute the milk with cream for a more indulgent sauce.
- Extra stuffing options: If you’d like to add more complexity to the filling, consider adding a small amount of garlic or finely chopped onions to the mixture.
- Ensure even searing: Make sure to rotate the veal roll carefully while searing to achieve an even golden crust.
This Veal Roll with Walnuts is a showstopper that combines tender veal, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts. The delicate balance of flavors will make it a favorite in your repertoire for family gatherings, festive meals, or an elegant dinner for two. Enjoy it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete meal!
