This rather impressive sounding dish is actually quite easy to preapre, and once it goes on the stove, it requires very little attention. I prefer using the breast of veal because it is a moister and more succulent cut, but if you prefer a leaner cut, you can use the shoulder. Ask the butcher to open it up for you so that you can stuff it with spinach.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 2 hr 25 min |
| Prep: | 25 min |
| Cook: | 2 hr |
| Yield: | serves 4 to 6 people |
Ingredients
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- Salt
- 2 pounds boned veal breast (if you purchase the breast bone-in, it should weigh about 4 pounds)
- 4 large garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup coarsely chopped peeled fresh, ripe tomatoes, or 1 cup coarsely chopped canned whole peeled tomatoes with their juice
Instructions
- Remove any large, thick stems from the spinach and rinse the leaves in cold water. Put the spinach in a pot with just the water that clings to the leaves and sprinkle with salt. Cover and cook over medium-high heat until all the spinach is wilted. Drain in a colander and press with a large spoon to remove as much water as possible.
- Lay the veal flat and trim the excess fat (do not remove all of it, or the roast will be too dry when done). Spread the spinach over the veal and add the garlic cloves evenly spaced apart. Roll up the veal jelly-roll fashion and tie it securely with kitchen twine.
- Put the butter and vegetable oil in a heavy braising pan that will hold the veal comfortably and place it over high heat. When the oil and butter are hot, put in the veal and brown it well on all sides. Season with salt and pepper, then add the wine. Allow the wine to bubble for 1 to 2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol and use a wooden spoon to loosen the tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the tomatoes. When they begin to bubble, lower the heat so that the contents of the pan cook at a gentle but steady simmer. Cover the pan with the lid slightly askew and cook until the meat is tender when pierced with a fork, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Turn the meat from time to time and add a little water to the pan if all the liquid evaporates before the veal is done.
- When ready to serve, cut the veal in slices about 1/2 inch thick and remove the twine. If the sauce in the pan needs to be reduced, raise the heat and cook until it is thick enough to coat a spoon. Arrange the veal slices on a platter and pour the hot sauce over them. Serve at once.
Reviews
This was an easy meal to make and it tasted great!