Classic Italian Veal Spezzatino

Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 80 min
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings

Description

This veal spezzatino is a popular Italian stew of veal chunks simmered with potatoes, tomatoes, and peas for the perfect comforting cold-weather dish.

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds lean veal stew meat
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, minced
1 carrot, minced
1 celery, minced
1 fresh Thai chile pepper, minced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
1/4 cup dry white wine
4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
3 Roma tomatoes, cubed
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons water, or as needed

Directions

1 Mix together cornstarch, paprika, and pepper in a large bowl. Pat veal chunks dry and toss them with seasoned cornstarch to coat. Transfer coated veal chunks to a plate and set aside leftover seasoned cornstarch.
2 Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add veal pieces to the pot, one by one, and cook until browned on all sides. Reduce heat slightly and add onion, carrot, celery, and chile pepper; cook until fragrant, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3 Pour in broth and wine. Deglaze the pot using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom. Add potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and bay leaf. Stir and cover.
4 Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until veal is fork-tender, potatoes are cooked, and liquid has thickened, about 1 hour. Add some water from time to time to keep stew from burning, but don't let it get soupy. Add leftover seasoned cornstarch if stew needs thickening at the end.