
Veal blanquette brings back childhood memories for me. I cook it just like my grandma taught me, with that smooth, creamy sauce that gently wraps around the meat and veggies. This dish reminds me of family Sundays when kitchen smells made our mouths water long before we sat down to eat.
A dish close to my heart
This recipe's been with me forever. The melt-in-your-mouth meat and that lightly lemony sauce create pure joy with every bite. I love bringing this out during family meals where everyone enjoys it so much they always ask for seconds.
What to buy
- 1 kg of veal meat: I always pick a nice tender cut for slow cooking.
- 1 large leek: Get a fresh one to add flavor to your broth.
- 3 big carrots: They add just the right touch of sweetness.
- 10 large button mushrooms: Pick firm ones for better taste.
- 1 bouquet garni: These herbs make all the difference.
- 4 small onions: Using one with cloves stuck in it is my little trick.
- Salt and pepper: Add to your own taste.
- For the sauce: 30 g butter, 40 g flour, 600 g broth, 1 egg yolk, 2 spoons each of cream and lemon juice.
- Rice: The perfect side dish to go with it.
My blanquette step by step
- Starting with basics
- I put the meat in my pot with cold water. Once it boils, I skim off the foam. Then I throw in my seasonings and veggies and let everything simmer gently for 2 full hours.
- The mushrooms
- I slice them up and cook them in a pan until they're nice and soft.
- The valuable broth
- I take everything out and strain my broth. I keep 600g for making the sauce.
- My velvety sauce
- In a pot I make a roux with butter and flour, then slowly add my broth. Stirring for 10 minutes on low heat is key.
- Putting it all together
- I return everything to my pot with the sauce and let it simmer a bit more.
- The finishing touch
- I mix egg yolk, cream and lemon juice, then carefully stir it in. Another 2 minutes on very low heat and it's done.
- Ready to eat
- I serve it hot with rice. Truly delicious.
My cooking tips
The key to great blanquette is taking your time. I let mine simmer slowly so the flavors really come out. I always go for fresh, in-season veggies and taste as I go, adding more seasoning when needed.

My tasty twists
Sometimes I switch things up by using chanterelles or oyster mushrooms instead. A tiny bit of nutmeg can work wonders too. And when I want something different from rice, I'll serve my blanquette with fresh tagliatelle or steamed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why skim the meat during cooking?
- Skimming gets rid of the surface foam during the first boil. It keeps your broth cleaner and your sauce smoother.
- → Can I make it the day before?
- Absolutely. Cook up to the sauce step the day before, but only add the cream-egg-yolk-lemon mix when reheating. The meat will be even softer.
- → How do I stop the sauce from breaking?
- Once the cream-egg-yolk-lemon blend is added, don’t boil it again. Keep it at a low heat and stir gently.
- → What cut of veal works best?
- Pick slow-cooking cuts like shoulder, breast, or brisket. These cuts become buttery soft when cooked slowly.
- → Can I freeze it?
- Yes, it freezes well if you don’t add the cream-egg mix yet. Stir it in during reheating for the best texture.