Vitello tonnato, an Italian dish originating from Piedmont, is a delightful combination of thinly sliced cold veal topped with a creamy tuna sauce. The dish is known for its elegant presentation and tantalizing flavors. While there are variations to the recipe, the essence remains the same: perfectly cooked veal and a rich, flavorful tuna sauce. In this article, we will guide you through the journey of creating an unforgettable vitello tonnato experience. From selecting the right cut of veal to mastering the art of making the tuna sauce, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions and valuable tips to ensure success. Along the way, we will uncover the secrets behind this classic Italian dish and explore the reasons why it has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
VITELLO TONNATO (COLD VEAL WITH TUNA SAUCE)
There are many versions of this classic Italian dish; it has been served to me in all the regions of Italy, but I think it originated in Lombardy. It is not hard to make, and it is really refreshing on a hot summer day. It looks beautiful on a buffet table. It can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for several days. Originally from Gourmet with two decades of revisions. Cooking time includes refrigerator time.
Provided by MariaLuisa
Categories Tuna
Time P1DT1h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- For the veal place the meat, carrots, onions, celery, parsley, bay leaf and peppercorns in a fairly snug pot and add water to cover.
- Cover and simmer for one hour. Check from time to time to prevent the meat from sticking to the bottom.
- Let cool in the cooking liquid for one hour.
- Cover the veal with a plate and 2 lb weight and cool completely in the cooking liquid. (The purpose of weighing down the meat is to insure compact slices when cut. I usually omit this step because I don't have a kitchen weight.).
- Store in refrigerator until assembly. If you feel creative, you could make something good with the broth; otherwise, it is discarded.
- For the tuna sauce whip the mayonnaise, tuna, anchovy fillets, onion, and lemon juice at high speed in the processor fitted with a steel blade.
- With the motor running add the milk in a thin stream until the desired consistency is reached. It should be thick but pourable.
- For the assembly remove and discard any remaining bits of rubbery membrane on the veal and slice it thinly, no more than 1/4 inch thick. If some of the slices crumble, don't despair. It will still be good.
- Smear 1/4 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a rimmed platter (I prefer glass).
- Place the veal slices in slightly overlapping circles in the platter, and cover generously and completely with the sauce.
- If you have more veal you can add another layer; just be sure that all is covered by the sauce.
- (If you have more sauce than you need (it is tasty), you can combine it with cubed cooked cold chicken, turkey, or fish, or pour it over cold hard-boiled eggs.).
- The dish should cool in the refrigerator for several hours or up to 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap.
- Before serving sprinkle on the capers, optional parsley, and garnish with the lemon slices, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 528.7, Fat 32, SaturatedFat 7.8, Cholesterol 153.6, Sodium 713.5, Carbohydrate 21.2, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 6.7, Protein 38.4
VITELLO TONNATO
Provided by Food Network
Time 2h24m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place the veal in a casserole large enough to accommodate it. Add the wine and enough water to cover the veal by 1/2 an inch. Remove veal and set aside. Add vegetables and bouquet garni to the water and bring the liquid to a boil. Return the meat to the simmering water, cover and cook gently for about 1 1/2 hours or until the veal is cooked through.
- Remove the veal from the heat and let it cool in its own liquid, remove it from the liquid and the veal is ready. (Boil the remaining liquid down by half and use as you would broth.) Remove strings and thinly slice.
- In a food processor puree until creamy the tuna fish, anchovies, capers, vegetable and olive oils. Add lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of the lemon juice (add more if you wish). Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and fold in the mayonnaise and season very well with salt and pepper.
- Spread bottom of a shallow nonmetal dish with a layer of tuna sauce. Arrange some veal slices, in a single layer, end to end, over the tuna sauce. Cover first layer of veal again with tuna sauce. Build up a second layer of veal and cover with sauce again. End with a generous layer of sauce, (making sure veal is entirely covered so that it does not dry out). Cover with plastic and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Serve chilled with steamed haricot verts (French green beans) or asparagus along with wedges of ripe tomato, halved pitted black olives, snipped chives and chopped parsley.
TONNATO SAUCE
I was probably in my early twenties when this sauce first appeared on my culinary radar as 'vitello tonnato.' At the time, a plate of cold, thinly-sliced poached veal dressed with a chilled, runny tuna sauce didn't make a lot of sense, but I tried it anyway, and have been a fan ever since. I don't often serve it with the traditional veal, but ironically that's the only thing I don't serve it with. Tonnato sauce is tremendous as a spread and equally impressive as an all-purpose, all-world dip.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Seafood
Time 15m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Blend tuna with reserved oil, mayonnaise, anchovies, olive oil, lemon juice, capers, and garlic together in a blender until completely smooth. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 126.3 calories, Carbohydrate 0.7 g, Cholesterol 7 mg, Fat 12 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 4.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 192.6 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
Tips:
- To ensure the veal is cooked evenly, use a meat mallet to pound it to an even thickness before cooking.
- If you don't have a meat mallet, you can also use a rolling pin.
- Be sure to sear the veal over high heat to create a nice crust.
- Once the veal is seared, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the veal is cooked through.
- Let the veal cool completely before slicing it.
- For the tuna sauce, be sure to use high-quality tuna. You can also use canned tuna, but be sure to drain it well and flake it before using.
- To make the tuna sauce, simply combine the tuna, mayonnaise, capers, anchovies, lemon juice, and parsley in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve the veal with the tuna sauce on top, garnished with capers and parsley.
Conclusion:
Vitello tonnato is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a special occasion. It is elegant, delicious, and easy to make. By following these tips, you can make a perfect vitello tonnato that your guests will love.
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