Italian Veal Pates. Recipe

Italian Veal Pates Recipe

Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. One such dish is Italian Veal Pates, a delicious appetizer or main course consisting of a flavorful veal filling encased in a delicate pie crust. This recipe combines the tender meat of veal with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a dish that is both satisfying and full of Italian charm.

Fun Fact: Veal pates have been a part of Italian culinary tradition for centuries. In ancient times, veal was considered a delicacy and was often reserved for special occasions and feasts. The combination of tender veal and savory fillings encased in pie dough created a dish that was both impressive and delicious.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 500g veal, ground
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- Pinch of salt
- A handful of currants
- Store-bought pie dough
- Sugar and cinnamon, for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a pie-plate with a rich pie dough and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.

3. Add the grated carrot and finely chopped celery to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

4. Add the ground veal to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.

5. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow the flavors to meld together for 2-3 minutes.

6. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese, butter, sugar, eggs, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Then, add the currants and mix again.

7. Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the pie dough in the pie-plate.

8. Spoon the cooked veal mixture over the cottage cheese mixture, distributing it evenly.

9. Fold the excess pie dough over the filling, creating a rustic, homemade look. Sprinkle the top with sugar and cinnamon for added sweetness and flavor.

10. Place the pie-plate in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.

11. Once cooked, remove the Italian Veal Pates from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed both hot or cold, depending on your preference.

Italian Veal Pates are a delightful dish that can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a buffet spread. The rich flavors of the veal combined with the aromatic herbs and spices create a savory filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky, buttery pie crust. Serve this dish with a fresh green salad or some sautéed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Similar recipe dishes to explore in Italian cuisine include Calzone, which is a folded pizza dough filled with various ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, and meat. Another option is Torta Rustica, a savory pie filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Whether you choose to make Italian Veal Pates or venture into these other dishes, the flavors and traditions of Italian cuisine are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the charming streets of Italy.

Vote