Spezzatino is a beloved Italian beef stew that is hearty, comforting, and perfect for a family meal. Made with tender beef, aromatic soffritto (carrot, celery, and onion), and a variety of vegetables, this stew is rich in flavor. With a splash of red wine and tomato paste, it’s cooked slowly to allow all the ingredients to meld into a satisfying, flavorful dish. It’s often served with polenta or mashed potatoes for a complete, filling meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds beef (or veal), cut into cubes

• 3 cups peas (450 grams)

• 1 carrot, chopped

• 1 celery stalk, chopped

• 1 onion, chopped

• ⅓ cup red wine

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste (40 grams)

• 1 bay leaf

• Fresh herbs (sage, parsley, rosemary)

• 1 ½ cups water (start with one cup, add more if needed)

• 3 tablespoons flour (more if needed)

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Finely chop the carrot, celery, and onion for the soffritto. Mince the fresh herbs (except for the bay leaf) and set them aside. Cut the beef into medium-sized cubes. Roll each piece in flour, tapping off any excess.

2. Cook the Soffritto:
   Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the chopped vegetables (carrot, celery, and onion) on medium-low heat until softened. Once ready, transfer the soffritto to a bowl.

3. Cook the Meat:
   In the same pan, heat more olive oil and add the floured beef cubes. Roast the meat on all sides until browned. Add the minced herbs and give everything a good stir.

4. Add Wine and Broth:
   Pour in the red wine and cook on high heat for a few minutes until the wine has mostly evaporated. Add the cooked soffritto, hot water or broth, bay leaf, and tomato paste. Stir well.

5. Simmer:
   Cover the pan with a lid and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on the cut of meat). Add peas about 5 minutes before the stew is done. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve:
   Once the stew is cooked, serve hot, ideally over mashed potatoes or polenta.

Estimated Nutritional Value (Per Serving):

• Calories: 307 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 27g

• Fat: 13g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 7g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 78mg

• Sodium: 172mg

• Potassium: 732mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 7g

• Vitamin A: 2421 IU

• Vitamin C: 33mg

• Calcium: 52mg

• Iron: 4mg

Spezzatino is a filling and flavorful stew that’s perfect for colder months and guarantees a satisfying meal!

The Heart of Spezzatino: Tender Meat and Flavorful Soffritto

At the core of spezzatino lies tender pieces of beef (or veal), which are browned and slow-cooked to perfection. The meat is often coated in flour before cooking, which helps to create a delicious, slightly thickened broth. The beef takes on deep, rich flavors as it slowly cooks in the pot, absorbing the aromas of the soffritto and the herbs. Whether you use beef or veal, the result is always melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

The soffritto, a traditional mixture of finely chopped carrots, celery, and onion, provides the base of flavor for the stew. This aromatic combination is sautéed in olive oil until softened and fragrant, creating a savory foundation for the stew. Soffritto is a staple in many Italian dishes, and its sweet, savory flavors infuse the meat and broth, adding depth to the overall taste of the spezzatino.

Building the Flavor: Red Wine, Tomato Paste, and Fresh Herbs

To elevate the flavors of spezzatino, a splash of red wine is added, allowing the alcohol to cook off while imparting a rich, complex taste. The red wine helps to deglaze the pan, lifting the browned bits of meat and vegetables from the bottom and incorporating them back into the sauce. This process adds a layer of depth to the stew, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Tomato paste is another key ingredient in spezzatino, contributing both color and richness to the broth. The tomato paste brings a subtle sweetness and acidity that balances out the savory meat and vegetables, giving the dish a more rounded and robust flavor. Additionally, the use of fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, and parsley infuses the stew with fragrant, earthy notes that tie everything together. The bay leaf adds a final touch of aromatic flavor that enhances the dish without overpowering it.

The Perfect Stew: Slow Simmering for Maximum Flavor

Spezzatino is traditionally cooked low and slow, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to fully develop. Once the meat, soffritto, and liquids are combined, the stew is covered and simmered for 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing the ingredients to meld into a cohesive and flavorful dish. The long cooking time is essential for breaking down the collagen in the meat, which results in the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that spezzatino is known for.

As the stew simmers, it thickens, and the rich broth becomes infused with the flavors of the beef, vegetables, wine, and herbs. This slow cooking process also ensures that the meat becomes perfectly tender, while the vegetables soften and absorb the delicious flavors of the stew. Towards the end of cooking, peas are added to the pot, providing a burst of sweetness and color that contrasts nicely with the savory richness of the dish.

Serving Spezzatino: Pairing with Polenta or Mashed Potatoes

Spezzatino is traditionally served over polenta or mashed potatoes, which help to soak up the flavorful broth and make the meal even more hearty and satisfying. Polenta, with its creamy texture, is an excellent complement to the tender beef and rich sauce. Alternatively, mashed potatoes provide a soft, buttery base that pairs perfectly with the stew, offering a contrast to the savory flavors of the meat and vegetables.

The combination of the rich spezzatino and the creamy base creates a comforting meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. The warmth of the dish makes it ideal for cozy nights or family gatherings, providing a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table.

The Health Benefits of Spezzatino

While spezzatino is undeniably rich and comforting, it also offers some nutritional benefits. The beef or veal provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The vegetables, particularly the peas, carrots, and celery, contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making the dish a well-rounded and nutritious option.

Additionally, the fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and sage are packed with antioxidants, offering not only flavor but also health benefits. The slow cooking process allows these nutrients to be preserved in the stew, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Italian Comfort Food

In conclusion, spezzatino is the perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal. Its rich broth, tender meat, and aromatic vegetables make it a classic Italian stew that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether served over polenta or mashed potatoes, spezzatino is a complete meal that will warm you up and leave you feeling content. With its simple yet robust ingredients, this stew is a timeless favorite that embodies the essence of Italian home cooking. Perfect for family meals or special occasions, spezzatino is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.