Grain Fed Ground Veal

Lean ground veal is a tender, mild-flavored meat that comes from young calves. It’s less fatty than beef and has a subtle, delicate taste. Here are some tips and recipes to make the most of lean ground veal:

Cooking Tips:

1. Flavoring: Ground veal has a mild flavor, so it benefits from seasoning and herbs. Don’t be afraid to add garlic, onions, or spices to enhance the taste.
2. Moisture: Since veal is lean, it can dry out if overcooked. Be mindful of cooking times and consider adding moisture with ingredients like broth or vegetables.
3. Mixing: If using veal in recipes that usually call for ground beef, you might want to combine it with other meats like pork or beef to enhance flavor and texture.

Recipe Ideas:

1. Veal Meatballs:
   • Ingredients: Lean ground veal, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
   • Instructions: Mix all ingredients, shape into meatballs, and bake or pan-fry until cooked through. Serve with marinara sauce or as an appetizer.
2. Veal Burgers:
   • Ingredients: Lean ground veal, onion, garlic, herbs (like thyme or rosemary), salt, and pepper.
   • Instructions: Combine the ingredients, form into patties, and grill or pan-fry. These burgers are delicious with your favorite toppings and condiments.
3. Veal Bolognese:
   • Ingredients: Lean ground veal, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, tomatoes, red wine (optional), Italian herbs.
   • Instructions: Sauté vegetables, add ground veal, and cook until browned. Add tomatoes, wine (if using), and herbs, then simmer until thickened. Serve over pasta or polenta.
4. Veal Stuffed Bell Peppers:
   • Ingredients: Lean ground veal, rice (or quinoa), onions, garlic, tomatoes, cheese (optional), bell peppers.
   • Instructions: Cook ground veal with onions and garlic, mix with cooked rice or quinoa and tomatoes. Stuff into bell peppers, top with cheese if desired, and bake until peppers are tender.
5. Veal Shepherd’s Pie:
   • Ingredients: Lean ground veal, onions, garlic, carrots, peas, beef broth, mashed potatoes.
   • Instructions: Sauté veal with vegetables, add broth and cook until thickened. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
6. Veal and Mushroom Stroganoff:
   • Ingredients: Lean ground veal, mushrooms, onions, garlic, sour cream, beef broth, egg noodles or rice.
   • Instructions: Sauté veal with onions and garlic, add mushrooms, and cook until tender. Stir in sour cream and beef broth, simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve over egg noodles or rice.

Storage and Handling:

• Refrigeration: Store raw lean ground veal in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cooked veal can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Raw ground veal can be frozen for up to 4 months. Cooked veal can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Lean ground veal is a great alternative to beef and pork, offering a different flavor profile and texture. It’s versatile and can be used in many traditional and creative recipes. If you have a specific recipe or cooking technique in mind, feel free to ask!