Spezzatino di Vitello con Piselli (Veal and Pea Stew)
Why this recipe works
- Gentle braising: Veal shoulder becomes tender through slow, covered simmering rather than fast boiling.
- Built-in depth: Browning the veal, softening the vegetables and deglazing with wine create a savoury base before the stock is added.
- Saucy and adaptable: The light stew sauce works well with polenta, bread or simple potatoes without feeling heavy.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Mostly hands-off cooking: The active work is mainly chopping and browning; most of the time is the gentle simmer that tenderises the veal.
- Let it settle briefly: A short rest before serving helps the sauce thicken slightly and cling better to the meat.
Common mistakes
- Boiling too hard: Keep the stew at a low simmer; vigorous boiling can toughen the veal and make the sauce look thin.
- Crowding the veal: Brown the meat in batches so it colours properly instead of steaming.
- Adding peas too early: Stir the peas in near the end so they keep their sweetness, colour and gentle bite.
Ingredient swaps
- Without wine: Use a little extra chicken stock instead of white wine, then adjust the seasoning at the end for balance.
- Herb alternative: Fresh basil can replace parsley for a softer, sweeter finish.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for making ahead: The stew keeps well in the fridge and the flavours settle nicely after resting overnight.
- Reheat gently: Warm it slowly in a saucepan with a splash of stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Freezer-friendly: Cool completely before freezing, then defrost in the fridge and reheat until piping hot throughout.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the veal into bite-sized chunks. Finely chop the onion, carrot and celery, and crush the garlic. Pat the veal dry and season it with the fine sea salt and black pepper.
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the veal in batches for 6 to 8 minutes total, turning so it colours well, then transfer to a plate. Lower the heat to medium.
- Add the onion, carrot and celery to the pot and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Return the veal (and any juices) to the pot and add the chicken stock. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low for 55 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veal is tender. If the sauce reduces too quickly, add a splash more stock to keep it saucy.
- Stir in the green peas and simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until the peas are tender and bright, and the sauce lightly thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more fine sea salt and black pepper if needed. Finely chop the fresh parsley and stir most through, saving a little to finish.
- Serve the stew hot, spooning over the remaining parsley. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce settles slightly.
Recipe notes
Serving suggestions
This recipe pairs well with:
Tips
- Keep the stew at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil so the veal stays tender and the sauce remains glossy.
- Add the green peas only at the end so they stay sweet and bright.
- If serving vulnerable groups, ensure the stew is simmered steadily and the veal is cooked until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace White wine with a little extra Chicken stock for an alcohol-free version.
- Replace Fresh parsley with Fresh basil for a softer, sweeter herb finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of chicken stock until piping hot. Freeze for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 1h 35min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Italian
-
Allergens:
Celery
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