Dining with Den – Veal Marengo

1kg of veal shoulder cut in 3 cm cubes (alternatively use pork or chicken)
1½ medium to large onions finely sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
250g button mushrooms (wiped)
200ml white wine
200ml tomato puree (passata)
1 bouquet garni (2 sprigs of thyme, 1 bay leaf and 3 sprigs of parsley attached together)
1 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
For the croutons
2 slices of bread, edges cut off
2 tbsp olive oil

Method

In a large sauté pan, heat the oil and butter on high and brown the meat in 2 batches to achieve the best coloration
Add the onions and stir to give them a nice coloration and add the flour stirring for a minute or so.
Add the garlic, wine and tomato puree. Add the bouquet garni and season with salt and pepper.
Cover the pan with a lid and cook on a simmer for 1h or until the meat is tender.
Add the mushrooms, stirring gently so they are well blended with the meat and cook for a further 10 minutes with the lid on.
Make the croutons: cut the bread into small triangles or any shape you like. Place the oil in a frying pan and fry these croutons quickly on both sides.
Pour the veal stew in a serving dish, sprinkle with parsley and place the croutons around.