How to make a classic veal blanquette recipe

Experience the comforting essence of French cuisine with a classic veal blanquette. This traditional dish features tender pieces of veal simmered to perfection in a rich and creamy sauce, enhanced with the flavors of aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Ideal for chilly evenings, this hearty stew not only warms the soul but also brings a taste of elegance to your dining table. Let’s embark on the delightful journey of creating this culinary masterpiece.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Servings: Serves 6

Ingredients For Veal Blanquette

• 3 pounds trimmed veal shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 8 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1 large onion studded with 2 cloves
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 leek, chopped
• Bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs)
• 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven, combine the veal pieces, cover them with cold chicken stock, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add salt at this point.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables: stud the onion with cloves, slice the carrots, and chop the leek.
4. After 30 minutes, add the prepared vegetables (carrots, onion, and leek) along with the bouquet garni to the pot. Continue cooking for an additional hour.
5. After the cooking time, check that the veal is tender. If needed, let it cook longer.
6. In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms until golden, then add them to the stew.
7. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and let simmer for about 5 more minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

More?

For more inspiration, check out this link on Blanquette de Veau Recipe. You can delve further into the history and details of this dish with this Wikipedia article. For a variation, you might want to explore chicken fricassee as well. Enjoy!

Preparing a classic veal blanquette is an inviting journey into the heart of French cuisine. This dish marries tender veal with a rich, creamy sauce adorned with mushrooms, carrots, and aromatic onions. Starting with trimmed veal shoulder, it’s essential to allow the flavors to meld by simmering the meat in chicken stock alongside a clove-studded onion and a bouquet garni. This patience rewards you with a comforting cold-weather meal.

The preparation process emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients and careful technique, resulting in a creation that captures both elegance and comfort. As you serve this classic dish, garnished with chopped parsley, you’re not just sharing a meal but also a culinary tradition that has stood the test of time. Embrace the art of Blanquette de Veau, and savor every bite of this treasured recipe.