Vitello Tonnato

  • Total time - 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Prep time - 30 minutes
  • Cooking time - 3 hours
  • Chilling time - 4 hours (or overnight)
  • Servings: 6
  • Country: Italy
Vitello Tonnato

Vitello Tonnato is a classic Italian dish that combines tender, slow-cooked veal with a rich and savory sauce made from tuna and anchovies. It's an ideal dish for special occasions or as an elegant appetizer. The preparation is divided into two main parts: cooking the meat and preparing the sauce. The key to a perfect result is high-quality meat and time for marinating in the refrigerator, which allows the flavors to meld together.

Despite the seemingly unusual combination of flavors (veal and tuna), Vitello Tonnato is a cornerstone of Piedmontese cuisine, and its popularity has spread throughout Italy and beyond.

Ingredients

For the Veal

  • 1 kg veal roast (shoulder or round)
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 celery stalk
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 150 ml dry white wine
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and black pepper
  • water

For the Tuna Sauce (Salsa Tonnata)

  • 200 g canned tuna in olive oil (drained)
  • 200 g mayonnaise
  • 4 anchovy fillets in oil
  • 2 tbsp capers (plus for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp meat cooking liquid

Instructions

Preparing the Meat

In a large pot, prepare a broth for the veal with vegetables (carrot, celery, onion), a bay leaf, and garlic. Add salt and pepper. Place the meat in the pot and cover it with water and white wine so that it is submerged.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 2-3 hours until the meat is very tender. Let the meat cool completely in the cooking liquid.

Once cooled, remove the meat, pat it dry, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight). This will make it easier to slice thinly.

Preparing the Sauce

Using a blender or immersion blender, blend the drained tuna, mayonnaise, anchovies, capers, and lemon juice until a smooth, creamy sauce is formed.

To thin the sauce, you can add a little of the meat cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Store the finished sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Serving

Slice the chilled meat very thinly. Arrange the slices on a plate and generously drizzle with the tuna sauce.

Garnish with capers (whole or chopped) and serve chilled. It is suitable as an appetizer or a light summer lunch.