Valdostana-Style Veal Chops: A Hearty and Flavorful Italian Delight
Valdostana-style veal chops, a quintessential dish from the Aosta Valley in northern Italy, embody the perfect balance of tender veal, rich Fontina cheese, and savory prosciutto. This dish is a true celebration of Italian comfort food, where the simple ingredients come together to create a luxurious and satisfying meal. Whether prepared on the stove or baked to perfection in the oven, this recipe is bound to impress your family or guests with its delicious flavors and elegant presentation.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Veal chops | 800g |
Cooked ham (prosciutto cotto) | 150g |
Fontina cheese | 100g |
Eggs | 2 |
Breadcrumbs | 150g |
Fine salt | to taste |
Black pepper | to taste |
Clarified butter (ghee) | 200g |
Nutritional Information
(Approximate per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 540 kcal |
Protein | 40g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fats | 35g |
Saturated Fats | 15g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 850mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Veal Chops
Begin by tenderizing the veal chops to ensure they cook evenly and remain juicy. Lay each veal chop between two sheets of parchment paper to protect the meat while tenderizing. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chops until they are thin but not overly shredded.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
Cut the Fontina cheese into thin slices and place one slice of cheese and a slice of prosciutto onto each veal chop. Then, fold the chop in half, creating a sandwich with the cheese and ham inside. You should now have four stuffed veal chops.
Step 3: Prepare the Breaded Coating
To create a crispy, golden crust, beat the eggs in a bowl. In a separate dish, place the breadcrumbs. Season both the eggs and breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Dip each stuffed veal chop into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated, then transfer to the breadcrumbs and press lightly so that the crumbs adhere well to the surface of the meat.
Step 4: Cooking the Veal Chops
For stovetop cooking:
- Heat the clarified butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, add the breaded veal chops to the pan.
- Cook the chops for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the breading turns golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn the chops carefully to avoid spilling the cheese filling.
For oven baking:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for a static oven, or 160°C (320°F) for a fan-assisted oven.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and drizzle a little olive oil over it.
- Place the breaded veal chops on the tray, ensuring they are spaced apart so they cook evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes in a static oven or 20 minutes in a fan-assisted oven.
- For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to grill mode for the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing the chops to brown beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Valdostana-style veal chops are cooked, remove them from the heat or oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, ensuring that each bite offers a wonderful combination of melted cheese, tender veal, and the savory bite of prosciutto, all wrapped in a crispy, golden coating.
Serving Suggestions
These veal chops are rich and hearty, making them perfect for pairing with simple sides such as roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or sautéed vegetables. For a truly authentic experience, serve with a glass of Italian red wine such as a robust Chianti or Barolo to complement the flavors of the dish.
Additional Tips:
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the veal chops ahead of time by assembling the chops and breading them. Simply refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before cooking.
- For a lighter version: You can opt for a lighter cooking method by pan-frying the chops with a small amount of olive oil instead of using clarified butter.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, to add different flavor profiles to the dish.
Valdostana-style veal chops are a luxurious, flavorful dish that brings a taste of northern Italy to your table. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or enjoying a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.