
The rich aroma of slowly simmering veal, combined with earthy mushrooms and white wine, creates an inviting warmth throughout the kitchen. Veau Marengo, a historic French dish born on Napoleon's battlefields, has evolved into a cherished family classic. This version emphasizes fresh mushrooms, which contribute their unique earthiness and delicate texture to this traditional preparation.
This traditional braised veal dish combines tender meat, flavorful mushrooms, and a rich wine-based sauce. The slow cooking process transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal worthy of any special occasion.
Essential Ingredients
- Veal (800g) - Choose shoulder or breast cuts with enough collagen for tender results. Ask your butcher for 3-4cm uniform pieces
- Mushrooms (200g) - A mix of brown button and oyster mushrooms adds complexity. Brown mushrooms provide deeper flavor than white varieties
- White Wine (150ml) - Use a dry white wine suitable for drinking. Chablis or Pouilly-Fuissé work particularly well
- Tomatoes (400g) - Fresh ripe tomatoes in season, or quality canned crushed tomatoes off-season
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
- Proper Browning
Pat veal pieces completely dry with paper towels before browning. Work in small batches in a hot Dutch oven, taking time to develop a proper crust. - 2.
- Aromatic Base
Cook onions in the meat drippings until translucent and lightly caramelized. Add garlic near the end to preserve its flavor. - 3.
- Wine Deglazing
Pour white wine over the browned bits, creating aromatic steam. Gently scrape with a wooden spoon to incorporate all caramelized flavors. - 4.
- Gentle Simmering
Cover tightly and maintain very low heat. Allow flavors to develop slowly through patient cooking. - 5.
- Final Touches
Add olives near the end for subtle salinity. Finish with fresh cracked pepper and parsley.
An enameled cast iron Dutch oven is ideal for this dish, maintaining steady heat and developing flavor through years of use.
Serving Suggestions
Present the dish in its cooking vessel at the table, placing it on a wooden trivet for both practical and aesthetic purposes.

Seasonal Adaptations
Incorporate chanterelles in autumn, or add whole spring onions during their peak season.
Veau Marengo embodies classic French cuisine's essence - honoring tradition while allowing for personal interpretation. This timeless dish connects us to culinary heritage while remaining relevant for modern cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What veal cut should I go for?
- Choose shoulder or veal round — they’re flavorful and work great for slow cooking. Try not to pick lean cuts as they may dry out.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day since the flavors have had time to blend well.
- → Which kind of white wine should I use?
- Pick a dry white wine like Chablis or Entre-Deux-Mers. Stay away from overly fruity or sweet wines since they might throw off the balance.
- → Can I cook this in a pressure cooker?
- You bet! Pressure cooking takes about 30 minutes. Just add the olives after releasing the pressure.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
- Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze single portions for up to 3 months.