Blanquette de Veau: A Classic French Dish Made Easy

Blanquette de veau is a traditional French dish that highlights tender veal in a creamy, velvety sauce.

Rich, comforting, and full of flavor, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend meal.

Our easy-to-make version will help you create a delicious, restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs veal shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 cups chicken or veal stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the veal and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the veal and vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Slowly pour in the white wine, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the chicken or veal stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
5. After the veal has simmered, remove the bay leaf and thyme. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the veal is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread, rice, or egg noodles.

Tips and Tricks:

• To make this dish even more flavorful, marinate the veal in white wine and aromatics overnight before cooking.
• For a thicker sauce, make a slurry by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• You can also add mushrooms or pearl onions to the dish for extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information:

Substitution Options:

• If you prefer not to use veal, you can substitute chicken or turkey for a similarly delicious result.
• For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.

Wine or Beverage Pairings:

Pair this rich and creamy dish with a crisp, acidic white wine such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Alternatively, a light, refreshing beer like a Pilsner or Belgian Witbier would also complement the flavors of the dish.