Baked beef with gratin side dish

Veal in the oven with gratin garnish: a savory recipe for unforgettable moments

Total preparation time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4

If you are looking for a recipe that will impress family or friends, veal in the oven with gratin garnish is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the tender texture of veal with a flavorful sauce seasoned with spices, and a side of cheesy gratin potatoes. The origins of this dish can be found in diverse culinary traditions, where beef is slow-cooked to enhance its flavors and achieve exceptional tenderness.

Your ingredients for this recipe are:
- 1 kg veal shoulder
- 1 tablespoon barbecue spices
- 250 ml white wine
- 100 ml water
- 5 garlic cloves
- 5 large potatoes
- 80 g cheese
- 40 g butter
- 50 g mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 250 ml milk
- Salt

Step by step – how to prepare veal in the oven

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the veal shoulder into thick slices, about 2-3 cm. These slices will gain an intense flavor and become tender during baking.

2. Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of barbecue spices with 3-4 tablespoons of oil. This mixture will coat the meat slices, giving them an irresistible taste. Once you have a smooth paste, add the white wine and water, mixing well.

3. Assembling the dish: Place the veal slices in a large baking dish, then pour the wine and spice mixture over the meat. Add the sliced garlic, which will flavor the dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

4. Baking the meat: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish with veal inside. Let it bake for about 2 hours, making sure to check occasionally that the liquid does not reduce too much. If you notice it evaporating, you can add a little water.

Gratin potato garnish

5. Preparing the potatoes: While the veal is cooking, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Boil them in salted water until they become soft, but not too soft, so they don’t break. Once boiled, drain them and let them cool slightly.

6. Preparing the sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of flour and mix well, allowing it to brown slightly. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the cheese and mozzarella cut into cubes, mixing until completely melted and the sauce thickens.

7. Assembling the garnish: Grease a baking dish with butter and place the boiled potatoes in it. Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes, leveling it evenly. Grate the remaining cheese on top to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

8. Baking the garnish: Place the dish with the garnish in the oven, letting it bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the surface becomes golden and appetizing.

9. Finalizing the dish: Check if the veal is tender and well-cooked. Once everything is ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serving and suggestions

To serve, place a generous portion of veal on a plate alongside the gratin potato garnish. You can add a fresh vegetable salad for a contrast of textures and flavors. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will harmonize perfectly with the dish, adding an extra touch of elegance to your meal.

Useful tips and variations

- You can add other herbs to the spice mix, such as rosemary or thyme, to enhance the meat's flavor.
- Instead of veal, you can use pork or chicken, adjusting the baking time according to the type of meat.
- If you want a lighter version of the garnish, you can replace the potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe offers a balance between quality protein from the meat and carbohydrates from the potatoes, being a good source of energy. A serving contains approximately 650-700 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used and the type of meat. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a healthy and balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen meat?
Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it and let it reach room temperature before cooking.

2. How can I tell if the veal is cooked correctly?
The meat should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork. You can check with a kitchen thermometer: the internal temperature should be at least 75°C.

3. Can I prepare the veal a day in advance?
Sure! The veal keeps very well in the refrigerator and can be reheated before serving.

In conclusion, veal in the oven with gratin garnish is a versatile and savory dish, perfect for bringing family together around the table. With a little patience and love for cooking, you will achieve a result worthy of the best restaurants. So, enjoy every step of the preparation and savor every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: beef pulp, grill spices, 250 ml white wine, 100 ml water, garlic, 5 potatoes, 80 g cheese, 40 g butter, 50 g mozzarella, 1 tablespoon flour, 250 ml milk