Carne Pizzaiola is a delicious and traditional Italian dish that combines tender cuts of meat with a rich tomato-based sauce, typically served alongside pasta or crusty bread. This mouthwatering recipe is known for its robust flavors and simple yet enticing ingredients.
To prepare Carne Pizzaiola, you will need high-quality meat, such as beef or veal cutlets, that are thinly sliced and tenderized. The size and thickness of the meat depend on personal preference, but it is typically about 1/4 inch thick. The meat is then seasoned with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, giving it a distinct Italian flavor.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meat slices, ensuring they lay flat in the pan. Cook the meat for a few minutes on each side until browned, creating a flavorful crust. The cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the meat and desired level of doneness.
Once the meat is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add diced onions and garlic, sautéing them until they become translucent and fragrant. This step adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Next, it’s time to add the star ingredient:
tomatoes. Traditionally, peeled and crushed San Marzano tomatoes are used to make the sauce for Carne Pizzaiola. However, you can also use canned crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes if they are in season. The choice of tomatoes greatly impacts the overall taste of the dish.
Pour the tomatoes into the skillet, stirring well to combine them with the onions and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and aromatic sauce.
To further enhance the taste of the sauce, add a splash of red wine, preferably a dry variety such as Chianti or Merlot. The wine adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and imparts a lovely depth of flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and leaving behind its pleasant notes.
Now, return the browned meat to the skillet, submerging it in the tomato sauce. Cook the meat in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. The sauce infuses the meat with its savory flavors, resulting in a perfect marriage of tastes.
Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish. The aromatic herb adds a vibrant freshness to the Carne Pizzaiola, enhancing both its appearance and flavor. You can also garnish with some grated Parmesan cheese if desired, further enriching the dish.
Carne Pizzaiola is typically served with pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, which allows you to fully enjoy the flavorful tomato sauce. Alternatively, you can serve it with crusty bread, using it to soak up the delectable sauce.
This classic Italian dish brings together the bold flavors of tangy tomatoes, fragrant garlic and onions, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked meat. The combination of these ingredients creates a harmony of tastes that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.
Carne Pizzaiola is a mouthwatering Italian dish that perfectly balances tender meat with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Its simplicity in preparation and robust taste make it a favorite among Italian cuisine enthusiasts. So whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply craving a hearty and satisfying meal, Carne Pizzaiola is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.