We absolutely love diving into timeless recipes like our Veal and Peas dish, a hearty favorite that hails from Italian roots. This comforting meal pairs tender veal with sweet peas for a simple yet flavorful combination that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
It’s no wonder this recipe has won hearts over generations as we blend fresh ingredients to create something truly satisfying. Join us as we explore how easy it is to whip up this classic at home.
Ingredients
In our Veal and Peas recipe, we select high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of this Italian classic, ensuring a flavorful and comforting meal with minimal effort. Below, we list them in the order they’re typically used, including any necessary prep details for accuracy.
Main Ingredients
- Veal: 1 pound of veal stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (we recommend trimming any excess fat for even cooking and tenderness)
- Peas: 2 cups of fresh or frozen peas (if using fresh, shell them just before cooking to preserve their vibrant green color and sweetness)
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (this forms the base flavor, so dice it evenly for quick sautéing)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (fresh garlic adds a robust aroma; crush it right before use to release its full essence)
- Tomatoes: 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes, or 4 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped (opt for ripe ones to enhance the dish’s juicy texture)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil (use a high-quality variety for its rich, fruity notes that complement the veal)
Seasonings and Additions
- Fresh herbs: 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley (add these towards the end to maintain their bright, herbaceous flavors)
- Salt and pepper: 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper (season to taste, starting with these amounts for balanced flavors)
- Chicken broth: 1 cup (low-sodium preferred, to keep the dish light while adding depth without overwhelming the peas’ natural sweetness)
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Veal and Peas recipe to life seamlessly after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure efficient preparation and optimal results. These items help us handle the browning of veal, simmering of peas, and blending of flavors with precision, making the process straightforward and enjoyable.
Key Tools for Preparation
We categorize the tools based on their primary functions in the recipe:
- Skillet or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed skillet (10-12 inches in diameter) or Dutch oven is crucial for searing the veal stew meat evenly and simmering the peas and vegetables. We prefer one with a lid to retain moisture and enhance the dish’s comforting aroma.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Use a sturdy cutting board paired with a sharp chef’s knife to finely chop the onion and mince garlic. This setup allows us to prepare ingredients quickly and safely, minimizing prep time.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for our recipe’s balance of flavors. We recommend a set of measuring cups for liquids like chicken broth and measuring spoons for seasonings such as salt and pepper.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: This tool is ideal for stirring the veal and peas mixture without scratching cookware. We use it to gently fold in the diced tomatoes and herbs, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Colander: Essential for draining fresh or frozen peas if needed. We find this helps maintain the peas’ vibrant green color and crisp texture in the final dish.
If you’re tracking multiple recipes, here’s a quick comparison of common tools and their uses across similar dishes, including our Veal and Peas recipe:
| Tool | Primary Use in Veal and Peas | Versatility (e.g., Other Recipes) | Recommended Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skillet or Dutch Oven | Searing veal and simmering | Soups, stews, braises | Cast iron or stainless steel |
| Cutting Board | Chopping onions and garlic | Salads, vegetable prep | Wood or plastic |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Portioning broth and spices | Baking, sauces | Plastic or metal |
| Wooden Spoon | Stirring ingredients | Stir-fries, sauces | Wood or silicone |
| Colander | Draining peas | Pasta, vegetable washing | Stainless steel |
By selecting these tools, we ensure our Veal and Peas recipe comes together effortlessly, allowing the fresh ingredients to shine through in every bite.
Instructions
We make preparing our Veal and Peas recipe simple and rewarding with these step-by-step instructions, drawing on fresh ingredients and essential tools from our previous sections to deliver a flavorful, comforting Italian-inspired dish.
Prep
Before we dive into cooking, we prepare our ingredients to ensure everything integrates smoothly and enhances the dish’s authentic taste. Start by gathering 1 pound of veal stew meat and patting it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps achieve a better sear and lock in flavors.
- Chop the vegetables: Finely dice 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic to release their aromatic essence, which will form the base of our savory profile.
- Measure and ready other components: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of fresh or frozen peas (if using fresh, rinse them under cold water to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture) and 1 cup of diced tomatoes for a juicy, tangy contrast.
- Prepare seasonings: In a small dish, mix 1 teaspoon of sea salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a fragrant, herbaceous note that elevates the overall meal.
This prep work takes about 10-15 minutes, setting the stage for a seamless cooking process.
Cook
Now that our ingredients are prepped, we move to cooking, where we’ll sear and simmer to develop rich, deep flavors that make this dish irresistible.
- Heat the pan: In a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, warm 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then add the veal stew meat in a single layer to brown evenly for 4-5 minutes per side, creating a golden crust that seals in juices and fills the kitchen with a mouthwatering, savory aroma.
- Build the base: Once the veal is browned, reduce heat to medium and stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release a sweet, fragrant scent that forms a flavorful foundation.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and the diced tomatoes, then incorporate the peas and seasoning mix. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veal becomes tender and the peas turn bright green and plump, infusing the sauce with a hearty, slightly sweet essence that coats every bite.
For cooking times, refer to the table below to ensure precision based on meat tenderness:
| Step | Time (minutes) | Heat Level |
|---|---|---|
| Browning veal | 4-5 per side | Medium-high |
| Sautéing onion/garlic | 2-3 | Medium |
| Simmering mixture | 15-20 | Low |
Assemble
With the cooking complete, we assemble the final dish to highlight its vibrant colors and textures, making it ready for serving.
- Combine and rest: Gently stir the cooked veal, peas, and sauce together one last time to ensure even distribution, then remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes—this allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a cohesive, comforting blend where the tender veal absorbs the herbaceous, tomato-infused juices.
- Plate the dish: Using a wooden spoon or spatula, portion the mixture onto plates, garnishing with extra fresh herbs for a pop of color and fresh aroma that enhances the dish’s visual appeal and balanced taste.
This step ensures our Veal and Peas emerges as a wholesome, family-friendly meal with a satisfying mix of soft textures and bold flavors.
Make-Ahead Tips
To streamline our Veal and Peas recipe and fit it into busy schedules, we offer these practical strategies that leverage the prep and cooking steps we’ve already covered. By preparing components in advance, we ensure the dish retains its vibrant flavors and comforting appeal without sacrificing quality.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We suggest handling the chopping and measuring of ingredients up to 24 hours in advance to save time on cooking day. Start by patting the veal dry and cutting it into even pieces, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For vegetables, finely chop the medium yellow onion and mince the garlic, placing them in separate sealed bags or containers to prevent sogginess. Fresh or frozen peas can be measured out—2 cups—and kept frozen until needed, preserving their crisp texture.
Cooking Components in Advance
Certain elements of the recipe, like searing the veal and building the flavorful base, can be done ahead to minimize active cooking time. Prepare the veal by searing it in a heavy-bottomed skillet as described, then cool and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Similarly, sauté the onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes together to create the base, and store this mixture in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the base in the skillet over medium heat before adding the peas and broth.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is key to maintaining the dish’s rich, savory essence. Use the following table to reference optimal storage times and methods based on our recommendations:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seared Veal | Airtight container in fridge | Up to 2 days | Reheat in skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. |
| Vegetable Base | Airtight container in fridge | Up to 3 days | Gently simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to restore flavors. |
| Full Assembled Dish | Airtight container in fridge or freezer | Fridge: 3 days; Freezer: Up to 3 months | Thaw in fridge overnight if frozen, then reheat on stovetop for 10 minutes, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture. |
Freezing for Later Use
For longer-term planning, we recommend freezing the fully assembled Veal and Peas dish after cooking. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. This approach lets us enjoy a wholesome, family-friendly meal with minimal effort—simply thaw and reheat as needed to keep the peas tender and the veal juicy. Always label containers with the date to track freshness and ensure the best results.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this timeless Veal and Peas recipe with you, as it’s become a staple in our kitchens for its effortless charm and hearty flavors. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a way to bring warmth to any table. We’re confident you’ll enjoy tweaking it to suit your family’s tastes, creating memories that last. Give it a go and let us know how yours turns out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Veal and Peas?
Veal and Peas is a classic Italian comfort dish featuring tender veal stew meat simmered with fresh peas, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights or family meals, using fresh ingredients to create a satisfying, generations-old recipe.
What ingredients are needed for Veal and Peas?
Key ingredients include 1 pound of veal stew meat, 2 cups of fresh or frozen peas, one chopped medium yellow onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, sea salt, black pepper, and low-sodium chicken broth. These high-quality items ensure a tasty, authentic meal with minimal effort.
What tools and equipment are required for the recipe?
You’ll need a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for cooking, a cutting board and chef’s knife for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, and a colander for draining peas. These basics help prepare the dish efficiently.
How do I prepare Veal and Peas step by step?
Start by prepping ingredients: pat veal dry, chop veggies, and mix seasonings. Sear the veal in a skillet, add onions and garlic to build flavor, then simmer with peas, tomatoes, and broth. Finally, assemble and serve for a wholesome meal—total time is about 45 minutes.
Can I make Veal and Peas ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like chopping veggies up to 24 hours in advance and store in airtight containers. You can also sear veal and sauté the base ahead, then refrigerate. For longer storage, freeze the cooked dish; it reheats well in a skillet or microwave to keep flavors fresh.
How should I store and reheat Veal and Peas?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture, or use the microwave for 1-2 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.