Veal stew is a warm, hearty dish that brings comfort and rich flavors to your table. This stew is made with tender veal, a type of young beef, simmered in a savory broth along with vegetables and seasonings. Perfect for colder months or when you need a satisfying, filling meal, veal stew is versatile and can be served with bread, rice, or potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this stew will surely impress everyone with its depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick glance at the key details of making veal stew:
| Course | Main Dish |
| Cuisine | American, French |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Servings | 4-6 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 2 hours |
| Calories | 350-400 per serving |
Equipment Needed
To make veal stew, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven – To simmer the veal and vegetables.
- Cutting Board & Knife – To chop the vegetables and veal into manageable pieces.
- Wooden Spoon – For stirring the ingredients and preventing burning.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – To measure your seasonings and broth.
- Ladle – To serve the stew once it’s cooked.
- Colander (optional) – To drain any vegetables or meat before adding to the pot.
Having these items in your kitchen will ensure that you’re fully prepared for making this rich and satisfying dish!
Ingredients
For a delicious veal stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of veal (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 carrots (sliced)
- 3 potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup of celery (chopped)
- 1 ½ cups of beef broth
- 1 ½ cups of white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of flour (for thickening, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Veal: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the veal cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. This step locks in the flavors and keeps the meat tender. Remove veal and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Return the veal to the pot and add the beef broth, white wine, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the tomato paste is well incorporated.
- Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 1 ½ – 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The veal should become tender, and the flavors should meld together.
- Optional Step for Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour with a bit of cold water to make a slurry. Add it to the pot and let the stew simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s the breakdown of the nutrition in a typical serving of veal stew:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 375 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 560mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Vitamin A | 150% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips to make your veal stew even more delicious:
- Browning the Meat: Don’t rush this step! Browning the veal before simmering adds a rich, caramelized flavor that makes the stew taste so much better.
- Herbs Matter: Fresh thyme and bay leaves are crucial for depth of flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried, but reduce the quantity to 1/3.
- Simmer Slowly: Low and slow cooking is key to a perfect stew. This method allows the meat to become tender and absorb all the flavors from the broth and vegetables.
- Make Ahead: Stews often taste even better the next day! Let it cool, store in the fridge, and reheat before serving. This also helps the flavors to deepen.
Conclusion
Veal stew is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or to impress your guests with a delicious, hearty meal. The tender veal, rich broth, and savory vegetables come together in a way that’s sure to leave everyone satisfied. With these simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality stew right at home. Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and vegetables to make it your own. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weeknight meal, veal stew is always a comforting choice. Happy cooking!
