Discover the rustic charm of “Grifi all’Aretina,” a Tuscan stew that transforms veal snout into a succulent, herb-enriched delicacy.
Veal Snout Arezzo-Style Stew (Grifi)
Equipment
- Stove
- Large pot
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Pot lid
Ingredients
- 3.3 lbs boiled veal snout (grifi), cut into pieces (about 1500 g)
- 1 1/3 cups onion, chopped (about 300 g)
- 2/3 cup celery, chopped (about 150 g)
- 2/3 cup carrot, chopped (about 150 g)
- 1 3/4 cups canned peeled tomatoes (about 400 g)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (about 1/2 liter)
- A bunch of parsley, chopped
- 2 sage leaves
- Rosemary, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Thyme, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- Red wine vinegar or red wine, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chopped onion, celery, carrot, parsley, sage, thyme leaves, a pinch of rosemary, and bay leaf. If desired, include red pepper flakes. Cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.1 1/3 cups onion, chopped, 2/3 cup celery, chopped, 2/3 cup carrot, chopped, A bunch of parsley, chopped, 2 sage leaves, Rosemary, to taste, 1 bay leaf, Thyme, to taste, Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Clean the Veal Snout: While the aromatics are cooking, trim any excess fat and hair from the veal snout. Cut the meat into large chunks, considering it will reduce in size during cooking. Rinse the pieces in a colander under warm water, then sprinkle with red wine vinegar or red wine. Let sit for a few minutes before rinsing again with warm water.3.3 lbs boiled veal snout (grifi), cut into pieces, Red wine vinegar or red wine, as needed
- Combine Ingredients: After cooking the aromatics for 30 minutes, add the canned tomatoes to the pot. Break them up with a wooden spoon and cook covered for another 15 minutes on low heat. Add the veal snout pieces and a ladle of hot vegetable broth. Cover the pot, leaving a small gap, and simmer for 50-60 minutes. Stir occasionally, adding more broth if needed.1 3/4 cups canned peeled tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth
- Final Seasoning: Ten minutes before the end of cooking, start seasoning with salt. Be cautious with the amount, as the final flavor adjustment will be made after cooking. The finished dish should be spicy, thick, and rich in sauce. Add more hot broth if necessary to achieve the desired consistency. Serve boiling hot.
Notes
Discovering the Rustic Delight of Grifi all’Aretina: A Traditional Tuscan Stew
Grifi all’Aretina is a robust and flavorful stew, a hidden gem of Italian cuisine hailing from the rural areas of Arezzo. This dish uniquely features the lean and tender parts of veal snout, a delicacy in Italy. Traditionally, these less commonly used parts of the cow were transformed into a rich and savory main course, beautifully enhanced with herbs and tomatoes.
Historically, it wasn’t common for farming families to raise a large number of veal calves. However, when they did, they often raised the Chianina breed, known for its leanness and strength, making it ideal for both fieldwork and culinary use.
The preparation of Grifi all’Aretina begins with carefully trimming and cutting the veal snout into small pieces. These pieces are then slowly stewed with water, white wine, and a blend of garden-fresh herbs, creating a symphony of flavors. The result is a dish where the meat is incredibly tender and the stewed tomatoes add a perfect balance of sweetness. Each bite is infused with the enticing aroma of herbs, offering a comforting and deeply satisfying culinary experience. To explore more about the traditional dishes and foods of Arezzo, visit the link.
