Vitello Tonnato Recipe: A Delicious Italian Classic with Burrata and Maracuja Sprinkles

Welcome back, Flexis! Are you ready to explore a classic Italian dish with a flexitarian twist? Today, we're making Vitello Tonnato, a beloved Italian favorite that combines tender veal with a creamy, flavorful tuna sauce, and an added touch of indulgence: burrata cheese and fresh maracuja sprinkles. This extraordinary recipe is perfect as an appetizer or a light main course, guaranteed to impress your taste buds and your guests. Let’s dive into this delicious and easy Vitello Tonnato recipe with a twist!

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Ingredients for Vitello Tonnato

For the Veal (or Plant-Based Alternative):

• 500 g veal roast (or 500 g plant-based meat substitute= Seitan / mushroom Cauliflower)

• 1 onion, halved

• 2 carrots, roughly chopped

• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp black peppercorns

• Salt to taste For the Tuna Sauce

• 150 g canned tuna in olive oil, drained

• 100 g mayonnaise (use vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based version)

• 50 g capers, drained

• 4 anchovy fillets (optional for extra flavor)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste Additional Ingredients

• 1 burrata cheese ball
  

• Fresh maracuja sprinkles

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Extra capers
  

• Lemon slices

Instructions for Vitello Tonnato

1. Cook the Veal (or Plant-Based Alternative)

• Place the veal (or plant-based meat substitute) in a large pot. Add the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaves, peppercorns, and a generous pinch of salt.
  

• Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the veal is tender. For plant-based substitutes, follow the cooking instructions on the package, usually simmering for 15-20 minutes.
  

• Once cooked, remove the veal or substitute from the pot and let it cool completely. Slice thinly.

2. Prepare the Tuna Sauce

• In a food processor or blender, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, capers, anchovy fillets (if using), lemon juice, and minced garlic.
  

• Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Vitello Tonnato

• Arrange the thin slices of veal or plant-based substitute on a serving platter.     

• Spoon the tuna sauce generously over the top, ensuring each slice is well coated.    
  

• Place the burrata cheese ball in the center of the platter.    
  

• Garnish with chopped parsley, extra capers, lemon slices, and fresh maracuja sprinkles for a vibrant touch.

4. Kühlen und Servieren

• Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.    
  

• Serve chilled, either as an elegant appetizer or a light main course.

Resumé

Mama mia, what a dish! Our flexitarian Vitello Tonnato with burrata and maracuja sprinkles offers a delightful blend of tender meat (or a plant-based alternative) and a rich, creamy tuna sauce, elevated by the luxurious addition of burrata and the fresh burst of maracuja sprinkles. It's a perfect example of how classic recipes can be adapted to fit a modern, flexible diet. The harmonious flavors of lemon, capers, tuna, and burrata create a sophisticated yet accessible dish that will become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Get inspired by food for flexitarians!

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The tools for this recipe

This dish deserves a good glass – and tools that live up to the occasion:

• Electric wine opener – opens any bottle at the push of a button, no levering, no cork crumbs.

• Wine vacuum stopper – pumps the air out of the bottle and keeps the rest fresh until tomorrow.

The code WILLKOMMEN10 gets you 10% off your first order – our thank-you for joining the newsletter.

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FAQ

Can I make this without meat?

Yes, swap the veal for a plant-based cutlet or thinly sliced seitan. Sear it briefly and chill before slicing thin, then continue with the tuna sauce as written.

How far ahead can I prepare this dish?

The tuna sauce and veal can both be made a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge. Assemble with burrata and maracuja just before serving so the burrata stays creamy.

What can I use instead of maracuja (passion fruit)?

If passion fruit isn't available, a few drops of lemon or lime juice with a pinch of chili flakes give a similarly bright, tangy contrast to the rich tuna sauce.