Indulge in a culinary journey to Italy with our mouthwatering Veal Involtini with Tomato and Basil Sauce! This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed Mediterranean. Imagine tender veal cutlets rolled with a creamy ricotta and fresh basil filling, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that looks as good as it tastes? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 veal cutlets
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Remove veal cutlets from refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Pat each cutlet dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Lay out each veal cutlet on a clean work surface. Spread an equal portion of the cheese and basil mixture evenly across each cutlet, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll each cutlet tightly, tucking in the sides to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking. Secure each involtini with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the rolled veal involtini into the pan.
- Cook the involtini for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, ensuring they develop a golden-brown crust. Turn gently to maintain their shape.
- Pour marinara sauce over the involtini in the skillet, reducing heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and the veal to cook completely.
- Remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Plate the involtini, spooning additional sauce over the top and garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a light salad to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Tips
- Room Temperature is Key: Always let your veal cutlets sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Browning: Make sure to pat the cutlets dry with paper towels before cooking. This step is crucial for achieving a beautifully browned exterior.
- Don’t Rush the Rolling: When rolling the cutlets, take your time to tuck in the sides tightly. This prevents the delicious filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and quality marinara sauce elevate this dish. If possible, use homemade marinara for an authentic taste.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the involtini while they cook. A few minutes on each side is all it takes to achieve that perfect golden crust without overcooking the veal.
- Let it Simmer: Allow the involtini to simmer in the marinara sauce for a good 10-12 minutes. This not only heats the sauce but also ensures the veal is tender and infused with flavor.
- Garnish for Presentation: Before serving, remove any toothpicks or twine and garnish with fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top can also add a nice touch!
- Pair with the Right Sides: Serve your Veal Involtini with crusty bread or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish and enhance the overall dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 418kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Cholesterol: 195mg
