Veal Rolls in Tomato Sauce: Braciole Di Vitello

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 30 minutes
Ease of preparation: intermediate

12 thin slices veal, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted in a 400 degree F oven 2 minutes and roughly chopped
1/2 cup currants
1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino
3 ounces prosciutto, cut into 1/8-inch dice
1/3 cup Italian parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
Salt and pepper
1 egg
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large Spanish onion, thinly sliced
2 ounces pancetta, minced
1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes and their juices, crushed
2 cups red wine

In a medium bowl, combine the pine nuts, currants, pecorino, prosciutto, parsley, garlic, and salt and pepper, to taste. Add the egg and mix well to blend. Divide mixture into 12 equal portions. Spread the mixture onto 1 side of each of the 12 veal pieces, leaving a 1/2-inch perimeter uncovered on each. Roll each piece of veal tightly and bind with butcher's twine to ensure that filling stays intact. Season the veal with salt and pepper.

In a large casserole or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil until almost smoking. Sear the veal rolls, remove when brown. Add the onion and saute 2 minutes. Add the pancetta, tomatoes and wine and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen the browned bits. Reduce to a simmer and add the veal. Cover tightly and allow to braise for 1 hour. Allow to rest 30 minutes before serving with sauce.