When winter makes its presence felt and the days grow shorter, Emilian cuisine offers a dish that feels like home: Emilian veal roll-ups. This recipe, perfect for a Sunday lunch, combines the tenderness of veal with the enveloping flavors of pancetta and cooked ham, creating a rich and flavorful filling. The slow braising technique allows the flavors to meld perfectly, ensuring tender meat that melts in your mouth. The finely chopped carrots and onions, cooked with the filling, add a sweet note and an unmistakable aroma, while the grated Parmigiano Reggiano provides a creaminess that enhances the dish. This dish, typical of Emilian tradition, is ideal to serve with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, making it perfect for family occasions or to surprise friends with a taste of authentic regional cuisine.
* approximate values per serving
Finely chop the carrot, onion, pancetta, cooked ham, garlic, and parsley. Pour the mixture into a saucepan, add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, breadcrumbs, whole egg, a few pinches of salt and pepper, and mix to obtain a well-combined filling. Flatten the slices of veal with a meat mallet, season with salt and lightly with pepper, and distribute some of the prepared filling on top. Roll the slices up and tie them with white string. Dredge the roll-ups in flour and shake off the excess. Heat butter with a few tablespoons of oil in a pan; add the roll-ups and let them brown, turning them occasionally. Once golden, add the tomatoes that have been blanched in boiling water, peeled, and passed through a sieve. Drizzle with broth, cover, and let cook for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. Arrange the roll-ups on a warm serving platter and sprinkle with the well-reduced and hot cooking sauce. Serve immediately at the table.
A delicious variation of the veal roll-ups Emilian style can be made by adding fresh tomatoes to the filling. This preparation not only enhances the flavor of the meat but also adds a note of freshness and acidity that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. To prepare this variation, simply finely chop the tomatoes along with the other filling ingredients, such as pancetta and prosciutto. This way, the roll-ups will absorb the juices from the tomatoes during cooking, making the dish even more succulent. Additionally, the tomatoes provide a beautiful color to the final dish, making it visually appealing and appetizing. This version is ideal for those who want an extra touch of lightness without sacrificing traditional flavor.
Another interesting variation of the veal roll-ups is the Neapolitan style. In this preparation, the roll-ups are cooked in a rich sauce made with tomatoes and typical flavors of Neapolitan cuisine. To make this version, after preparing the roll-ups with the traditional filling, they can be sautéed in a pan and then deglazed with white wine. Next, a tomato sauce made with peeled tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil is added. The slow cooking in this sauce allows the flavors to blend perfectly, making the roll-ups tender and flavorful. This variation is perfect for those who love dishes rich in flavor and Mediterranean aromas, bringing a touch of Naples directly to the table.
For those who are health-conscious, veal roll-ups can be prepared in a light version by eliminating the pancetta from the filling. In this preparation, one can opt for a mix of steamed vegetables, such as carrots and zucchini, to combine with parmesan and breadcrumbs. This variation is lighter but equally tasty, as the vegetables provide freshness and a delicate flavor to the roll-ups. Additionally, it is advisable to cook the roll-ups in the oven rather than in a pan, using a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to maintain the tenderness of the meat. This recipe is ideal for those who want a healthy and balanced meal without sacrificing taste.
Veal roll-ups are a dish rich in protein, thanks to the veal, which is also an important source of iron and B vitamins. The presence of ingredients such as carrots and parsley further enriches the dish with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet. A serving of veal roll-ups contains about 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method. By choosing fresh, quality ingredients, one can create a nutritious and tasty dish, perfect for a family lunch or a special dinner. Moreover, veal is often more digestible than other red meats, making this dish ideal for those with specific dietary needs.
A common question regarding veal roll-ups is how to store them properly. The roll-ups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. It is advisable to let them cool completely before placing them in the refrigerator to avoid condensation. If you wish to store them for a longer period, they can be frozen. In this case, it is best to wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them in a pan or oven, preserving their flavors and textures.