In the following recipe the veal is roasted on top of the stove, a cooking technique that was developed in Italy before home ovens became commonplace. Unlike braising, this method uses only a small amount of liquid and results in meat that is succulent and tender but not falling apart. Pan roasting also renders a delicious caramelized coating and savory pan juices. Surprisingly, the anchovies do not impart a strong fishy flavor but rather add rich depth. Do not salt the meat before browning it, as the anchovies have salt aplenty.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Mince garlic with anchovies. If veal is encased in a net, remove net and with kitchen string tie veal crosswise at 1-inch intervals.
Step 2
Pat veal dry. In a heavy kettle just large enough to hold veal heat oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and brown veal well, turning it. Transfer veal to a plate. In oil remaining in kettle cook anchovy mixture, stirring, 1 minute. Add wine and boil 1 minute.
Step 3
Return veal to kettle and simmer, partly covered, turning veal every 20 minutes and adding water as needed (about 3 tablespoons at a time; do not let liquid completely evaporate‑there should always be just enough to keep veal from sticking to kettle), 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part registers 155° F. for medium.
Step 4
Transfer veal to a cutting board and let stand 10 minutes. Skim any fat from liquid in kettle. Add 1/3 cup water and simmer, scraping up brown bits from bottom and side of kettle, until liquid has consistency of thin gravy.
Step 5
Transfer pan juices to a platter. Cut veal crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices and discard string. Arrange slices over pan juices and spoon salsa verde over meat.
