Veal Stew with Potatoes: A Hearty Italian Classic
This Spezzatino di Vitello con Patate is a traditional Italian veal stew featuring tender pieces of veal simmered with rustic potatoes, carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that is both flavorful and comforting. Ideal for cozy family meals or a special Sunday dinner, this veal stew is a perfect blend of rich flavors and textures. The dish requires some patience, but the end result is a warming, mouthwatering stew that is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it alongside crusty bread or over soft polenta for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients for Veal Stew with Potatoes
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Veal (preferably shoulder) | 1 kg |
| Potatoes | 1 kg |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Celery stalk | 1 |
| White onion | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 20 g |
| Beef broth | 1 L |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| All-purpose flour | 20 g |
| White wine | 50 g |
| Fresh sage | 1 sprig |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Fresh thyme | 1 sprig |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~35 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~50 g |
| Fat | ~12 g |
| Fiber | ~5 g |
| Sodium | ~600 mg |
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by preparing your vegetables. Wash and peel the carrot, celery, and onion. Chop them finely to create a soffritto base. The soffritto will be the foundation of the stew, providing a deep, aromatic flavor. If you’re unfamiliar with the technique, feel free to consult our cooking guide on making a perfect soffritto. -
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Prepare the Veal:
Take the veal (preferably shoulder or stew cuts) and remove any connective tissue or silverskin, which can make the meat tough during cooking. Slice the veal into thick slices and then cut them into bite-sized cubes. These pieces will cook quickly and absorb the delicious flavors of the stew. -
Sear the Veal:
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil and allow it to heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the veal cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the veal for 5-7 minutes, ensuring it develops a rich brown crust on all sides. This will add depth of flavor to the stew. -
Sauté the Soffritto:
While the veal is searing, add the chopped carrot, celery, and onion to the pan. Stir frequently, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness. This step should take about 5 minutes. Once softened, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. The flour will help thicken the stew as it cooks. -
Deglaze the Pan:
Pour the white wine into the pot to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to cook off for a few minutes, letting the alcohol evaporate. This will infuse the meat and vegetables with a delicate, tangy flavor. -
Add the Broth and Herbs:
Once the wine has evaporated, pour in the beef broth. Add the fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme to the pot, tying them together with kitchen twine if you prefer to remove them easily later. Stir well to combine. The broth will help tenderize the veal and infuse the stew with savory flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Simmer the Stew:
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. During this time, the veal will become tender and absorb all the aromatic flavors from the broth and herbs. -
Prepare the Potatoes:
While the stew is simmering, wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into large cubes, roughly the same size as the veal pieces. This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and meld beautifully with the meat. -
Add the Potatoes:
After the veal has simmered for an hour, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate them into the stew, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Cover the pot again and continue cooking for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until both the veal and potatoes are fork-tender. -
Final Adjustments:
Once everything is cooked, check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. You may also want to add a bit more broth if the stew has thickened too much or if you prefer a more soupy consistency. -
Serve:
Serve the veal stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. The stew is even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to develop.
Tips for the Perfect Spezzatino di Vitello con Patate
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Meat Cut: Choosing the right cut of veal is essential for a tender stew. Veal shoulder or stew cuts are perfect because they have the right amount of marbling and connective tissue that break down beautifully during slow cooking.
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Broth: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can make your own beef broth, but store-bought broth works perfectly fine as well. Just be sure to choose a low-sodium version to control the seasoning.
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Herbs: Fresh herbs are a key component of this dish, infusing the stew with a distinct aroma. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, but sage, rosemary, and thyme are classic choices in Italian cuisine.
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Vegetables: The carrot, celery, and onion are integral to creating a flavorful base, but you can also add other vegetables like peas or green beans for variety.
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Wine: Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the balance of flavors.
Pairing Suggestions
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Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Barbera, complements the hearty flavors of the veal and potatoes beautifully. For a white option, try a crisp Pinot Grigio.
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Side Dishes: Serve the stew with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce, or opt for a creamy polenta. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Veal Stew with Potatoes
The combination of tender veal, earthy potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that is as satisfying as it is delicious. This Spezzatino di Vitello con Patate is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, making every bite a truly comforting experience. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
