Vitello tonnato is a flavorful Italian dish that is made with thin slices of veal, tuna sauce, capers, anchovies, and lemon. The name ‘vitello’ translates to English as ‘veal’ while the word ‘tonnato’ translates to ‘tuna.’
The origins of this dish are unclear, but it gained popularity in the 19th century. It is believed that the dish originated in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, where the locals created a sauce made from tuna and capers to flavor their meats. Some other theories suggest that Vitello tonnato was inspired by the French dish, ‘laitance de carpe’, which is made using carp and has a similar texture and flavor to the tuna sauce.
The first documented recipe for Vitello tonnato was published in 1861 in the cookbook, “Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well,” by Pellegrino Artusi, which helped the dish garner more popularity. The recipe was simple and straightforward, and Artusi recommended using lean, white veal cutlets, canned tuna or anchovies, capers, lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper.
In the early 20th century, Vitello tonnato became more famous in Italy, especially in the northern regions. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that it became a staple dish in Italian cuisine worldwide. The dish soon caught the eye of the French, who began creating their version of Vitello tonnato. However, the French version is slightly different in taste and preparation style. It is often made with mayo instead of the tuna sauce and served cold.
Vitello tonnato is a dish that signifies Italian cuisine’s richness and versatility. It’s a dish that is traditionally served cold, making it an excellent starter or a light main course on a hot summer day. The mix of tender slices of veal and the savory, creamy tuna sauce adds a unique and amazing flavor to the dish.
The key to making a good Vitello tonnato is selecting the right ingredients. The veal should be lean and thinly sliced, and the tuna must be of the highest quality. The sauce’s composition is crucial to the dish’s overall success, and it should be smooth, flavorful, and creamy.
In conclusion, Vitello tonnato is a traditional and delicious Northern Italian specialty that has become a must-try for food lovers worldwide. Its history might be unclear, but one thing is sure, this dish has become an Italian culinary staple and a dish that you cannot afford to miss if you ever find yourself in Italy.