Veal Marsala: A Classic Italian Dish That Will Impress Your Guests

Introduction

Veal Marsala is a classic Italian dish that is sure to impress your guests. Made with tender veal cutlets, mushrooms, and Marsala wine, this dish is rich and flavorful, perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two.

While it may sound fancy, Veal Marsala is actually quite easy to make, and requires only a few simple ingredients. In this blog post, we’ll take you step-by-step through the recipe, and show you how to make this classic Italian dish in no time.

Ingredients

For 4 portions, you will need:

• 4 veal cutlets (120g each)
• 100g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Place the flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish and mix well. Dredge the veal cutlets in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the veal cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the veal from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and garlic and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and have released their liquid.

4. Add the Marsala wine and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and reduced by about half.

5. Return the veal cutlets to the skillet, spooning the Marsala sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the veal is heated through and the sauce is hot. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Variations

Vegetarian/Vegan

For a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish, you can substitute the veal cutlets with seitan or portobello mushrooms. Follow the same recipe, but skip step 1 and proceed to step 2.

Chicken Marsala

If you prefer chicken over veal, you can easily substitute the veal cutlets with chicken breasts. Follow the same recipe, but adjust the cooking time to make sure the chicken is fully cooked.

Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour, such as rice flour or cornstarch.

Conclusion

Veal Marsala is a classic Italian dish that is both impressive and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a special meal to share with your loved ones, this dish is sure to please. So why not give it a try tonight? We promise you won’t be disappointed!

FAQ

What cut of veal should I use for Veal Marsala?

You should use thinly sliced veal cutlets for Veal Marsala. These are also sometimes called “scallopini.”

Can I use chicken instead of veal?

Yes, you can use chicken instead of veal for this recipe. Chicken breasts or thighs work well.

Do I need to use Marsala wine?

Yes, Marsala wine is a key ingredient in this recipe and gives it its signature flavor. You can find Marsala wine at most liquor stores.

Can I use a different type of wine?

If you can’t find Marsala wine, you can substitute with a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. However, this will change the flavor of the dish.

Do I need to pound the veal cutlets?

Yes, you should pound the veal cutlets to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This will help them cook evenly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. However, the veal should be cooked fresh for the best texture.

What can I serve with Veal Marsala?

Veal Marsala is traditionally served with a side of pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Fresh herbs are recommended for this recipe, but if you can’t find them, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.

Can I freeze Veal Marsala?

Yes, you can freeze Veal Marsala for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you’re making a vegetarian version of this dish. However, the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can use olive oil instead of butter to make this dish healthier. However, butter adds a rich flavor to the dish, so keep that in mind.