Pasta with veal
Pasta with Veal - A Delicious and Comforting Recipe
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
In the culinary world, pasta with veal is a true feast, combining the rich flavors of meat with the silky texture of pasta. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of warmth to your soul, perfect for both lunch and a special family dinner.
Basic Ingredients
To achieve a perfect result, make sure the ingredients are of the highest quality:
- 500 g veal (choose a lean cut, such as the thigh or tenderloin)
- 1 large onion
- ½ red bell pepper
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons Vegeta (or your favorite spice mix)
Useful Tips for Ingredients
Veal is more tender and lower in fat compared to other types of meat, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal. Choose ripe, seasonal tomatoes to achieve the most flavorful sauce. The onion and red bell pepper will add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Preparation Technique
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by cutting the veal into cubes of about 2 cm. This will help ensure even cooking. Finely chop the onion and red bell pepper. If you prefer, you can use a food processor to achieve a smooth paste.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper paste and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and loses its strong raw smell. This step is essential for developing the flavors.
3. Adding the Meat
Add the veal cubes to the pot and stir constantly. Let the meat brown until it changes color, which takes about 5-7 minutes. It is important not to overcrowd the pot so that the meat browns evenly.
4. Preparing the Sauce
After the meat has browned, add the grated (or diced) tomatoes and mix well. This is the moment to add the spices: paprika, pepper, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir everything to combine the flavors.
5. Simmering
Remove the pot from heat and add 2 ladles of hot water. Put the lid on and let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Make sure to check periodically, adding water if necessary, to prevent the sauce from burning.
6. Finishing the Sauce
After 30 minutes, the sauce should be thicker. Add another 2 ladles of hot water and continue cooking with the lid on for another 30 minutes. In the end, the sauce should be thick and full of flavors.
7. Boiling the Pasta
In a separate pot, boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. When al dente, drain well.
8. The Perfect Combination
Add the pasta to the pot with the veal sauce and mix well so that each piece of pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.
Serving and Suggestions
Pasta with veal sauce is served hot. A personal suggestion would be to sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for added flavor. You can accompany this dish with a fresh green salad or a crispy baguette.
Nutritional Benefits
Veal is an excellent source of quality protein, essential for muscle development. Tomatoes provide a significant amount of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while onion and red bell pepper are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Calories
A serving of pasta with veal sauce contains approximately 550-600 calories, depending on the amount of pasta used and the oil added.
Possible Variations
For a lighter version, you can replace the veal with chicken or turkey. You can also add vegetables like carrots or zucchini for an extra boost of nutrition and color. If you are a fan of spicy dishes, add a bit of chili pepper to the sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Sure! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- What else can I add to the sauce?
You can experiment with mushrooms or olives to customize the recipe.
- How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat on low heat or in the oven.
This veal pasta recipe is more than just a simple dish; it is a culinary experience that blends tradition with a touch of creativity. So, I wish you "bon appétit" on your culinary adventure!
Ingredients: 500 g veal 1 large onion 1/2 red bell pepper 2 tomatoes 1 bay leaf 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper salt 3 tablespoons oil 2 tablespoons Vegeta
