Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will elevate your cooking skills and tantalize your taste buds! This Italian-inspired Savory Steamed Veal Roll is not just a recipe—it's a culinary masterpiece that combines delicate veal, creamy cheese, and vibrant spinach in a technique that locks in flavor and tenderness like no other dish. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to be your secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb veal cutlets
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare the veal cutlets by laying them flat on a clean cutting board and gently pounding them to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- In a medium bowl, mix chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to create a creamy filling.
- Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly across each veal cutlet, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Carefully roll each veal cutlet into a tight cylinder, securing with kitchen twine or toothpicks to maintain the roll's shape during steaming.
- Prepare a steamer basket by pouring the beef broth into the bottom of a large pot, ensuring the liquid does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket.
- Place the veal rolls in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow even heat distribution.
- Cover the pot and steam the veal rolls over medium heat for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Carefully remove the veal rolls from the steamer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before removing the twine or toothpicks.
- Slice the veal rolls diagonally and serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of the remaining cooking broth.
Tips
- Meat Preparation is Key: When pounding the veal cutlets, use gentle, even strokes to achieve a consistent 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and tender results.
- Filling Technique: Don't overfill your veal rolls. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the cheese mixture from leaking during steaming.
- Secure Tightly: Use kitchen twine or toothpicks carefully to keep the rolls compact. This helps maintain their shape and ensures even cooking.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The perfect doneness for veal is 145°F (63°C), which ensures both safety and optimal tenderness.
- Resting Time: Always let the veal rolls rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more succulent and easier to slice.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to your cheese mixture or as a garnish before serving.
- Steaming Tip: Ensure the broth doesn't touch the steamer basket and that the veal rolls aren't overcrowded. This guarantees even cooking and prevents the meat from becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
