### Baked Calf Meat Recipe
#### Ingredients:
– 2 lbs calf meat (preferably shoulder or leg, cut into chunks)
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup dry white wine
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare the Meat:**
Season the calf meat chunks with salt and pepper.
3. **Sear the Meat:**
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat chunks in batches, searing them until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
4. **Sauté Vegetables:**
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. **Deglaze the Pot:**
Add the white wine to the pot, stirring to deglaze and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for about 2 minutes.
6. **Add Tomato Paste and Herbs:**
Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another minute.
7. **Combine Ingredients:**
Return the seared calf meat to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, making sure the meat is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. **Bake:**
Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and fully cooked through.
9. **Final Touches:**
Once done, remove the pot from the oven. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
10. **Serve:**
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Tips:
– For a richer flavor, you can marinate the meat in wine, garlic, and herbs for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
– Ensure the meat is well-browned during the searing process to develop deep flavors.
– This dish can be made ahead and reheated, as the flavors often improve with time.
### Tomato Mozzarella Salad (Caprese Salad) Recipe
#### Ingredients:
– 4 ripe tomatoes
– 1 lb (450 g) fresh mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves
– 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
– Wash the tomatoes and basil leaves.
– Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices.
– Slice the mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch thick slices.
2. **Assemble the Salad:**
– On a large serving platter or individual plates, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices alternately.
– Tuck a basil leaf in between each slice of tomato and mozzarella.
3. **Dress the Salad:**
– Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salad.
– If using, drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the salad as well.
4. **Season:**
– Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste over the salad.
5. **Serve:**
– Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor.
Tips:
– Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best taste, especially during the summer months when tomatoes are in season.
– For added flavor, you can sprinkle a little dried oregano or add a splash of lemon juice.
– If you prefer a sweeter note, use a balsamic reduction instead of plain balsamic vinegar.
Enjoy your delicious baked calf meat with Tomato Mozzarella Salad!!
