Author Notes
This is based on the simple preparation of the Italian trattoria dish of the same name. I like to use the stack and wrap method, as I call it, just to give the veal a little more time to absorb the flavors I want to pair with it. In this case the thyme and lemon. Maybe the hardest part about this is waiting for the grill to heat but I have never found that to be too trying as long as a nice chilled bottle of rose from Provence is on hand. This is a direct heat method of grilling where the hotter the grill the better. I really like to serve this dish with a whole head of roasted garlic for each diner so they can smear it onto the chop if desired. - thirschfeld —thirschfeld
Test Kitchen Notes
This recipe treats veal chops with the respect they deserve, highlighting rather than overpowering their tender flesh and gentle, less-beefy-than-beef meatiness. Thirschfeld employs a nifty technique of stacking the chops to flavor them with layers of lemon zest, garlic and whole thyme sprigs sandwiched between them; while the chops are absorbing all these great flavors, you roast whole heads of garlic to serve on the side and whip up a simple vinaigrette. Then it's just a few short minutes on a hot grill (we recommend you stop at medium rare), and dinner is served. - A&M —The Editors
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Ingredients
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4
veal chops, about an 1 1/2 inches thick
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1 bunch
fresh thyme
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4-6
garlic cloves, minced
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zest of two lemons
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4 tablespoons
extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon
fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon
Banyuls vinegar or good balsamic vinegar
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2 teaspoons
thyme, minced
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kosher salt and fresh ground white pepper
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4
heads of garlic
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2 tablespoons
unsalted butter, softened
Directions
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Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface.
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Spread 4 to 5 sprigs of thyme out to match the size of the veal chop. Sprinkle on some chopped garlic and lemon zest.
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Season each side of the 4 chops evenly with kosher salt. Place one chop on top of the herb mixture and top it with thyme, garlic and lemon on top . Place a chop on top. Repeat until the chops are stacked and you topped it with the thyme, garlic and lemon mixture. You want all sides covered.
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Pull the plastic wrap up and over and wrap the chops tightly. Place them on a tray to catch any possible drips and put them in the fridge for no less than 6 and no longer than 12 hours.
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Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Chop the top 1/4 off each head of garlic and smear with unsalted butter and season it with salt and pepper. Place the heads in a small casserole and cover with foil. Bake them for 1 3/4 hours for an 8 clove head maybe less for smaller heads. Remove from the oven and let them sit. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Banyuls and minced thyme in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set the dressing aside.
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When you are ready heat your grill to the highest temperature you can. While it is heating remove the chops from the fridge, unwrap them and scrape off all the thyme, garlic and zest. Season the chops with pepper and leave them out to warm while the grill is heating.
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When the grill is hot cook the chops until medium rare or medium. Near the end of the grilling time place the garlic on a tray and place it on the grill to warm it up. Place the chops on a platter or plates and top them with the dressing and garnish with thyme. Place a head of roasted garlic next to each chop and serve.
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