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!
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
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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