V. I. P. Meal
V. I. P. Meal features tender veal or beef in a rich, savory tomato and wine sauce with vegetables, perfect for an elegant dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 veal cutlets (4 oz. each) or 1 lb. fondue beef chunks ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. olive oil or salad oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sliced green peppers ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- a shake of oregano ⓘ
- a shake of basil ⓘ
- 2/3 cup red wine ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil and crushed garlic over medium-high heat. Brown the veal cutlets or beef chunks quickly, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium.
- Cook sliced onions, green peppers, and mushrooms until tender.
- Stir in flour, red wine, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for about one minute.
- Reduce heat to low. Return the meat to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve over rice with green salad, bread, and wine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the veal cutlets in red wine and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have veal, chicken or pork can be substituted for a different taste. Ensure the vegetables are cut uniformly for even cooking. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or carrots for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice to absorb the delicious sauce. It pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. For a delightful finish, consider serving with a slice of Banana Split Pie for dessert, creating a balanced dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, heat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of V. I. P. Meal contains roughly 671 calories, with 25g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (173% of the Daily Value), and calcium (141% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1815mg per serving (79% 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 use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain them properly before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the sauce. Keep in mind that frozen vegetables may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What red wine is best for this recipe?
A dry red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well for this dish. These wines add depth to the sauce without being overly sweet. However, any dry red wine that you enjoy drinking can enhance the flavor of the dish.
Is there a vegetarian option for this meal?
For a vegetarian version, replace the veal with hearty mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth in place of red wine. You can also add lentils for protein. The cooking method remains the same, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).