Veal Stew With Water Chestnuts
Rich and hearty veal stew with water chestnuts and mushrooms, simmered in a creamy broth with aromatic herbs. This dish offers tender veal paired with crunchy water chestnuts and savory mushrooms, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions with a comforting, flavorful profile.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 1/2 lb. veal, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. m.s.g. (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper, coarsely ground ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans water chestnuts, drained and quartered ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 c. heavy cream ⓘ
- 1/4 c. brandy (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Melt half of the butter in an ovenproof casserole and saute the veal until gray.
- Remove the veal and saute the onion and garlic, seasoning with salt, m.s.g., and pepper.
- Return the veal to the casserole and remove from heat.
- Melt the remaining butter in a skillet and saute the mushrooms.
- Add the mushrooms, beef broth, water chestnuts, and bay leaves to the veal.
- Cover and bake in the oven for 1 1/4 hours.
- This can be done 1 to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
- When ready to serve, add the heavy cream and simmer on top of the stove for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Just before serving, add brandy and parsley.
- Serve over egg noodles or your favorite pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the veal well before adding the other ingredients. If you don't have fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms can be a suitable substitute. You can also replace the brandy with white wine for a different taste. To save time, prep the ingredients the night before, as this dish benefits from being made a day ahead.
Serving Suggestions
This veal stew pairs beautifully over egg noodles or your favorite pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to cling to the noodles. For a complete meal, serve with a side of crusty bread and a fresh green salad. It also complements well with hearty dishes like Cheesy Macaroni Beef Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the veal tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Veal Stew With Water Chestnuts contains roughly 1228 calories, with 33g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (190% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1491mg per serving (65% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute veal with beef or pork, though cooking times may vary slightly. Ensure the meat is tender and properly cooked. Each option brings its own unique flavor profile, making it a versatile recipe to suit your preferences.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
If the stew is too thin, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the stew while simmering. Alternatively, let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to evaporate excess liquid, concentrating the flavors.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it one to two days in advance, refrigerate, and reheat on the stove when ready to serve. The flavors will deepen and improve, making it even more delicious.
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).