Introduction
Blanquette de Veau is a classic French stew featuring tender veal, creamy white sauce, and vegetables. Traditionally cooked slowly, this version uses the Arteflame grill to add a subtle smoky flavor to the meat and vegetables. The creamy sauce ties everything together, making it a comforting and elegant dish perfect for special dinners or family meals.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs veal shoulder or veal stew meat, cut into large chunks
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 onions, quartered
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bouquet garni (bundle of thyme, bay leaves, parsley)
- 6 cups water or veal stock
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For the White Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups veal broth (from the stew)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Prepare your Arteflame grill by lighting it with vegetable oil-soaked napkins and firewood. Allow the grill to preheat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop reaches a moderate heat, perfect for grilling and simmering.
Step 2: Grill the Veal
Season the veal chunks with salt and pepper. Place them on the hot grill grate at the center of the Arteflame and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Once seared, remove from the grill and transfer the veal to a large pot or grill-safe Dutch oven.
Step 3: Grill the Vegetables
Grill the carrots, onions, and leeks on the flat cooktop for 3-5 minutes, until slightly caramelized. Add the grilled vegetables, garlic, and bouquet garni to the pot with the veal.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Pour the water or veal stock into the pot, covering the meat and vegetables. Place the pot on the outer edge of the Arteflame cooktop and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the veal is tender and the flavors have developed.
Step 5: Prepare the White Sauce
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter on the grill. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2 cups of the strained veal broth, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Sauté the Mushrooms
Sauté the sliced mushrooms in butter on the flat cooktop until golden and tender, about 5 minutes. Add them to the pot with the veal.
Step 7: Finish the Blanquette
Once the veal is tender, remove the bouquet garni from the pot. Stir the white sauce into the stew and let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the blanquette de veau over steamed rice, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips
- Tender Veal: Cook the stew slowly at a gentle simmer to ensure the veal becomes tender and flavorful.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more veal broth. If it's too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken.
- Marrow Bone: For a richer flavor, add a veal bone with marrow to the stew while it simmers.
Variations
- Blanquette de Poulet: Substitute veal with chicken thighs for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Blanquette: Replace the veal with firm tofu and use vegetable stock instead of veal broth.
- Truffle Blanquette: Add a drizzle of truffle oil or freshly shaved truffle to the sauce for a luxurious touch.
- Herb-Infused Blanquette: Add more fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to the bouquet garni for an herbal twist.
- Seafood Blanquette: Use firm white fish like cod or monkfish in place of veal for a seafood version.
Best Pairings
- Side Dishes: Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles.
- Drinks: Pair with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Grilled Blanquette de Veau on the Arteflame grill adds a unique twist to this classic French stew, with the veal and vegetables taking on a subtle smoky flavor. Rich and comforting, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
