To start, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. You will need:
– 2 veal cheeks
– Salt and pepper
– Flour
– Olive oil
– 2 onions, finely chopped
– 2 carrots, finely chopped
– 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 2 cups beef or veal stock
– Fresh herbs (such as thyme and rosemary)
– Butter
1. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the veal cheeks under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the cheeks with salt and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides. Lightly dust them with flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of olive oil to the pan. When the oil is hot, carefully place the veal cheeks in the skillet. Sear them on each side until golden brown, ensuring you achieve a nice caramelized outer crust. This process will take about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Once the cheeks are seared, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and translucent, releasing their flavors and aromas.
4. Deglaze the skillet with red wine, scraping off any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce and intensify in flavor for a few minutes.
5. Return the veal cheeks to the skillet and add enough beef or veal stock to cover them. Tuck in a few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, which will infuse the dish with aromatic flavors. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
6. Lower the heat to low-medium and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the veal cheeks to braise in the liquid for about 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the meat, resulting in a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
7. After a few hours of braising, the veal cheeks should be incredibly tender. Carefully remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Strain the braising liquid, discarding the vegetables and herbs, to create a flavorful sauce.
8. Return the sauce to the skillet and simmer it over low heat until it has reduced and thickened slightly. Stir in a knob of butter for added richness and shine.
9. Now comes the final step – plating. Place the veal cheeks on a warm serving platter, drizzling them with the luscious sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley, for a pop of color and freshness.
Congratulations! You have successfully made veal cheek, a culinary masterpiece that will impress even the most discerning palates. Serve this dish alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a bed of risotto to complement the flavors. Indulge in every succulent bite and enjoy the beautifully tender meat that you have prepared with your own hands.
Remember, making veal cheek requires patience and attention to detail. But the end result is worth every moment spent in the kitchen. So, don your apron, gather the ingredients, and let your culinary prowess shine as you embark on this culinary adventure!