Vitello Tonnato is a classic Italian dish that merges two unexpected yet harmonious flavors: tender veal and a creamy, savory tuna sauce. Originating from the Piedmont region of Italy, this dish is both rich and refreshing, perfect as an appetizer or a light main course.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Capers, Tuna, Veal
Total Time 2 hourshours5 minutesminutes
Servings 4
Calories 352kcal
Ingredients
1lb500g veal roast (eye of round or veal loin)
1carrot
1celery stalk
1small onion
1bay leaf
5-6peppercorns
½cupwhite wine
For the tuna sauce
5oz150g canned tuna in olive oil, drained
3anchovy fillets
2tbspcapers
1hard-boiled egg yolk
½cupmayonnaise
1tbsplemon juice or vinegar
2-3tbspolive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the veal: In a large pot, combine the veal, carrot, celery, onion, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Add white wine and enough water to cover the veal. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and poach for about 1.5 hours until tender.
Make the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the drained tuna, anchovy fillets, capers, egg yolk, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, adding olive oil as needed to achieve a creamy texture.
Season and cool: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Once the veal is cooked, remove it from the poaching liquid and let it cool completely.
Assemble: Slice the veal thinly and arrange it on a serving platter. Spoon the tuna sauce generously over the veal slices, ensuring they are well-covered. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.