Veal stew with mashed potatoes

Veal stew with mashed potatoes is a classic dish, full of flavor and comfort, perfect for a family meal or a special dinner. This recipe combines tender veal meat with fresh vegetables and a creamy mash, offering a rich and comforting culinary experience.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients needed

For the stew
- 800-1000 g veal (choose meat from the thigh or shoulder for the best texture)
- 2 medium onions (yellow onion is ideal for its sweetness)
- 1 large carrot (preferably a sweeter one)
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow for added color)
- 3 cloves of garlic (fresh, for an intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (olive or sunflower)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika (for a hint of smokiness and color)
- 1 cube of beef stock (from Knorr or another preferred brand)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the mash
- 1000 g potatoes (sweet or white potatoes, preferably)
- Salt and oil (for taste)
- Milk (about 200 ml, or as needed for desired consistency)
- 3 cloves of garlic (to flavor the mash)

Preparing the veal stew

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Chop the onion, grate the carrot, and dice the bell pepper. These vegetables will provide the perfect base for the stew's flavors.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrot and bell pepper. Stir well and let the vegetables sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adding sweet paprika at this stage will enhance the flavor and give the dish a beautiful color.

3. Preparing the meat: Meanwhile, cut the veal into cubes of about 3 cm. This will ensure even cooking. Add the meat to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables. Let it brown slightly, about 5 minutes.

4. Adding the liquid: Pour water into the pot so that it covers the meat. Add salt, pepper, and the beef stock cube. This will enrich the stew's flavor. Let the stew simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender.

5. Finalizing the stew: With 10 minutes left of cooking, add the minced garlic and the flour-water mixture. This will thicken the sauce. Let the stew simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Finally, add the fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Preparing the mashed potatoes

1. Boiling the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes of about 2-3 cm. Place them in a pot with water and add salt. Boil for 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft. Add the garlic cloves to the water to flavor them.

2. Passing through a sieve: After the potatoes are boiled, drain them and let them cool slightly. Then, mash them with a potato masher or a fork. Adding milk and oil will turn the mash into a creamy and smooth composition. Mix well until you achieve the desired consistency.

3. Final taste: Add salt to taste and mix. If you want a richer mash, you can replace some of the milk with cream.

Serving

To serve the veal stew with mashed potatoes, divide the stew into deep plates, and add a generous portion of mash on the side. You can garnish with a bit of fresh parsley for a pleasing appearance. This delicious combination pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or pickles for a pleasant contrast.

Practical tips

- Choosing the meat: Choose fresh meat with a medium fat content for a juicy stew. Avoid meat that is too lean, as it may become dry during cooking.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables to the stew, such as celery or zucchini, to enrich the flavor. You can also experiment with spices, adding thyme or rosemary for an extra aroma.
- Serving: This stew pairs perfectly with a glass of dry red wine or craft beer, which will complement the dish's flavors.
- Finding the balance: Play with the proportions of water and flour to achieve the ideal sauce consistency. If you prefer a thinner stew, add more water.

Nutritional benefits

Veal is an excellent source of lean protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals such as iron and zinc. The vegetables in the stew provide a rich supply of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet. Mashed potatoes offer complex carbohydrates, essential for daily energy.

Frequently asked questions

- Can the stew be frozen? Yes, the veal stew can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Can I use pork instead of veal? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using pork or chicken, but the cooking time may vary.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the stew? Adding a splash of red wine during cooking can intensify the flavors and bring a note of complexity.

Veal stew with mashed potatoes is more than just a dish; it is a recipe full of memories, comfort, and joy. Whether you prepare it for loved ones or enjoy it alone, each serving will transport you to a world of authentic flavors. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the stew you need: 800-1000 g of veal, 2 onions, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 3 cloves of garlic, oil, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, a beef cube from Knorr, parsley, 2 tablespoons of flour, water. For the puree you need: 1000 g of potatoes, oil, milk, 3 cloves of garlic.