Veal Chops with Asparagus and Morels

Ingredients for Veal Chops with Asparagus and Morels

• 16 thick asparagus spears, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 2-inch lengths

• 80ml peanut oil, divided

• 350g fresh morel mushrooms, rinsed, halved lengthwise if large

• 4 (8- to 250g ) veal rib chops (each 3/4 to 1 inch thick)

• 2 tablespoons plain flour

• 4 shallots, peeled, halved lengthwise, plus 1/3 cup minced shallots

• 6 whole fresh sage leaves plus 6 fresh sage leaves, sliced

• 6 fresh thyme sprigs

• 2 bay leaves

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 240ml low-salt chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

How to make Veal Chops with Asparagus and Morels

Cook asparagus in large saucepan of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Transfer asparagus to bowl of ice water. Drain well. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap asparagus in paper towels; place in resealable plastic bag and chill.

Preheat oven to 218°C. Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in heavy large ovenproof skillet or wide pot with lid over medium-high heat. Add morels and saut° until tender and browned, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer morels to bowl (do not clean skillet).

Heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil in same skillet over high heat. Sprinkle veal chops with flour, salt, and pepper. Add veal chops to skillet; cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to plate. Add remaining 1 tablespoon peanut oil to same skillet; add shallot halves, 6 whole sage leaves, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves to skillet and saut until shallots are softened, about 6 minutes. Return veal chops to skillet; cover and roast in oven until tender, about 12 minutes. Transfer chops and shallot mixture to plate. Add remaining peanut oil to skillet; add 1/3 cup minced shallots, sliced sage leaves, and garlic and sauté 3 minutes. Add asparagus, morels, and broth; simmer until asparagus is tender, about 5 minutes. Return veal chops to skillet, cover, and cook just until heated through and liquid is slightly reduced, about 3 minutes. Transfer veal chops, morel-asparagus mixture, and pan juices to plates. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve.

A lighter-style Pinot Noir would be great with the veal chops. We like the earthy, dark berry flavours of the Domaine Jean Grivot 2004 "Les Charmois" Nuits-St.-Georges ($47).

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.