Creamed sweetbreads, despite their name, are not sweet breads in the traditional sense but rather a delicacy made from the thymus or pancreas glands of young calves or lambs. This recipe showcases their delicate flavor and creamy texture, making them a unique addition to your culinary repertoire. Here’s a detailed exploration of how to prepare this dish:
Creamed Sweetbreads Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sweetbreads
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- Parsley sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Sweetbreads:
- Start by adding sweetbreads to 2 cups of boiling water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 small bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon of pickling spice, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water.
- Simmer the sweetbreads covered for about 20 minutes until they are tender.
- Drain the sweetbreads well and allow them to cool.
- Once cooled, remove any membranes from the sweetbreads.
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Prepare the Cream Sauce:
- In a skillet or saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Blend in 3 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually add 1 cup of chicken broth and 2/3 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
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Combine and Cook:
- Add the prepared sweetbreads and 2 cups of sliced mushrooms to the cream sauce.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of dry sherry for additional depth of flavor.
- Cook the mixture gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sweetbreads and mushrooms are heated through and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
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Serve:
- Serve the creamed sweetbreads and mushrooms in warm baked patty shells for an elegant presentation.
- Garnish each serving with parsley sprigs for a fresh touch.
Notes on Sweetbreads:
Sweetbreads are prized for their delicate flavor and creamy texture when properly prepared. They require careful handling to remove any connective tissue or membranes before cooking. When purchasing sweetbreads, it’s advisable to ask your butcher for assistance, as they may need to be specially ordered.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 189.5 per serving
- Fat: 16.3g
- Saturated Fat: 10.2g
- Cholesterol: 45.4mg
- Sodium: 417mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.8g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 2.1g
Creamed sweetbreads make for a decadent lunch or snack option, showcasing European culinary influences with a preparation time under 60 minutes, making them suitable for stove-top cooking enthusiasts looking to explore unique flavors.
