Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of French cuisine with our exquisite Veal Stew with Wine, Zest, and Thyme! This hearty dish transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience, perfect for impressing your family or guests. With tender cubes of veal simmered to perfection in a luscious red wine sauce, each bite bursts with aromatic herbs and a hint of citrus zest. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to elevate your culinary skills and warm your heart. Ready to dive into a world of flavor? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs veal, cubed
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the cubed veal dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and brown the veal cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Sauté until translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sliced carrots, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the browned veal to the pot and pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Add beef broth, fresh thyme leaves, and lemon zest. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew cook slowly for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Check the tenderness of the veal periodically. The meat should become very soft and easily break apart with a fork.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- If the sauce seems too thin, remove the lid and allow it to reduce for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme and lemon zest, alongside crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Browning the Meat: Ensure your veal cubes are patted dry before browning. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden crust, which adds depth of flavor to your stew.
- Use Quality Wine: Choose a good quality red wine that you would enjoy drinking. The wine's flavor will significantly impact the overall taste of the stew.
- Slow and Steady: Allow the stew to simmer slowly over low heat. This not only tenderizes the meat but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Patience is key!
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your stew as it cooks and adjust the seasoning accordingly. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference in enhancing the flavors.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to let it reduce. You can also mash a few pieces of veal against the pot to help thicken the sauce naturally.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your stew with crusty bread for dipping or over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce. A side of green beans or a fresh salad can also complement this hearty dish beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
