Italian Veal Birds
Italian Veal Birds are tender, rolled veal or chicken slices filled with ham or cheese, simmered in a flavorful wine and vegetable sauce, perfect for elegant dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb veal or chicken slices ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chicken or turkey ham, chopped
- Provolone cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- flour for dredging ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots ⓘ
- 2 cups finely chopped celery ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop the onion, carrots, and celery in a food processor.
- Pound veal or chicken slices lightly until very thin.
- Combine the ham, garlic, parsley, and salt and pepper if needed.
- Spoon a little of the mixture on top of the veal or chicken slices; roll and fasten with toothpicks.
- Dredge the rolls in flour and brown on all sides in the butter and oil.
- Add the white wine and cook until it is almost completely reduced.
- Add the chicken stock and simmer gently for 25 minutes.
- Add the chopped vegetables and rosemary, and cook for 20 minutes longer.
- Serve the veal rolls on top of rice.
- Reduce the remaining wine and chicken stock, and serve on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider using prosciutto instead of turkey ham. You can also substitute the veal with turkey for a lighter option. To enhance the dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture for a subtle kick. Ensure the veal is pounded evenly to promote even cooking and tenderness. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Risotto Alla Milanese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the veal birds over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside creamy polenta for a hearty meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes. For a complete Italian-themed dinner, consider pairing with a glass of dry white wine or the flavorful Chicken Italiano(Heart-Healthy Recipe) for a balanced experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the veal birds in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken stock to maintain moisture. Cover with a lid to heat evenly without drying out. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Veal Birds contains roughly 1334 calories, with 7g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 485mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the veal birds in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the veal birds ahead of time. Assemble them and store in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. Just remember to adjust cooking time slightly if cooking cold from the fridge for best results.
What can I use instead of veal?
Chicken is a great substitute for veal in this recipe. You can use thinly sliced chicken breasts or thighs, which will cook similarly and absorb the flavors of the dish well. For a vegetarian option, consider using eggplant slices filled with the same mixture.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the veal or chicken slices in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for an hour before assembling. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme during cooking also intensifies the taste. For a richer sauce, you can finish with a touch of cream.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).