Veal stew

Veal stew is a classic recipe, full of flavors and tradition, that brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting and delicious dish. This meal is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, and preparing it will fill your kitchen with enticing aromas. I invite you to discover the steps to prepare a perfect veal stew that will impress everyone!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 600 g veal (preferably from the leg or shoulder)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika (preferably smoked paprika for a more intense flavor)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 Knorr beef cube (or another meat concentrate)
- 5-6 black peppercorns
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon white flour
- 1 cup of broth (or tomato juice)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (to balance the acidity)
- 50-60 ml oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Boil the veal: In a large pot, place the veal in salted water. Let it boil over medium heat for about 30 minutes, removing the foam that forms on the surface. This step is essential for getting tender and juicy meat. After boiling, remove the meat from the water and let it cool slightly. Do not discard the water; you will use it later to add flavor to the stew.

2. Cut the meat: Once the meat has cooled sufficiently, cut it into small cubes. This will give it a more pleasant texture and allow it to integrate perfectly into the stew sauce.

3. Heat the oil: In a large saucepan, add 50-60 ml of oil and let it heat up. The oil will help sauté the onion and add a note of flavor to the dish.

4. Sauté the onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the hot oil and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. It is important not to burn it, but to cook it slowly to release its flavors.

5. Add the meat: Once the onion is ready, add the veal cubes. Sprinkle the sweet paprika and mix well. Let everything sauté for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

6. Deglaze with broth: Pour the water in which the meat was boiled over the meat and onion mixture. Add the Knorr cube, bay leaves, and peppercorns. This will be the base of the rich and flavorful sauce of the stew.

7. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.

8. Thicken the sauce: After the meat has boiled, mix the flour with the broth to avoid lumps and add the mixture to the pot. If you want a thicker stew, you can adjust the amount of flour. Add the 2 teaspoons of sugar and the chopped garlic. Let everything simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

9. Adjust to taste: Before serving, taste and, if necessary, adjust the salt. This is a crucial step, as each type of meat and broth can have different salt content.

10. Serve: The veal stew is perfect served as is or alongside pasta, such as shells or noodles. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. A personal suggestion is to add a dash of freshly ground pepper for a more intense flavor.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the meat: Choose quality veal, preferably with a bit of fat, as this will add juiciness and flavor to the stew.
- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the veal with mushrooms or tofu, adding vegetables like carrots and peppers for a rich taste.
- Substitutions: Instead of broth, you can use fresh crushed tomatoes, and sugar can be replaced with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweet note.
- Alternative servings: This stew pairs wonderfully with a serving of polenta or mashed potatoes, offering a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional benefits:

Veal stew is an excellent source of protein, which helps maintain muscle mass and provides long-term energy. Additionally, ingredients like onion and garlic have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to a healthy diet.

Estimated calories: A serving of veal stew has approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil and side dishes used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use pork? Yes, you can use pork, but the taste and texture will be different.
2. How long can the stew be kept? The stew keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated without problems.
3. Can it be frozen? Yes, veal stew can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers.

Now that you have learned how to prepare a delicious veal stew, feel free to experiment with ingredients and bring your own personal touch to the recipe. Enjoy every step of the process and the final result!

 Ingredients: 600 g veal, 1 onion, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 bay leaves, 1 Knorr beef cube, peppercorns, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon white flour, chopped fresh parsley, salt, 50-60 ml oil, 1 cup broth, 2 teaspoons sugar.