.jpg)
Vitello tonnato is aPiedmontese dish of cold, slicedveal covered with a creamy, mayonnaise-like sauce that has been flavored withtuna.[1][2] It is served chilled or at room temperature,[3] generally in the summertime, as the main course of an Italian meal or as "an exceedingly elegant antipasto for an elaborate dinner".[3] It is also very popular, by inheritance, in Argentina, Uruguay,[4] and Paraguay, where it is known by its original name inPiedmontesevitel tonnè (spelledvitel toné orthoné in Argentina) and considered a traditionalChristmas dish.[5][6]
It is prepared at least a day or more in advance bybraising or simmering a piece of veal from the back leg called Eye Round, which is then cut into thin, individual servings. For the sauce, originally fresh white tuna (in most restaurants canned tuna is used today to reduce cost and preparation time) is simmered until fully cooked in white wine, cider vinegar, white onion, and garlic, and then puréed with a mix of olive and vegetable oil andegg yolks in an electric blender or food processor to form a thick mayonnaise. For the mayonnaise a variety of seasonings can be used, includinganchovies,cayenne pepper,capers, andlemon juice. The thick, smooth purée is then somewhat thinned with a little water and cooking liquid from the veal and a few capers are stirred in. Some of the sauce is spread out on a serving platter and the cold slices of veal are arranged in a single layer on top. The rest of the sauce is then poured over the veal so that it is, generally, completely covered. The dish is allowed to refrigerate for a period up to 5 days to fully develop the flavor.[3]
Media related toVitello tonnato at Wikimedia Commons
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)