Carmela Soprano's Veal and Pepper Heroes

With Carmela’s recipes, as with most things in life, you win a few and lose a few.

Mozzarella in Carozza was a bit of a hassle.

Carmela's recipe for Veal and Pepper Heroes looks nice and simple.

It’s in the Small Events for Men Only chapter in Entertaining with The Sopranos. 

Yeah, well, this recipe also presents a few problems.

Veal can be hard to find.

And asking for it can give a butcher hysterics in some grocery stores.

Veal?  Neither of my local supermarkets carries veal.

They carry 5 kinds of hamburger.

Don’t get me wrong.

The stores in my neighbourhood do try.

For example, there’s our local Liquor Mart.

They try to have something for everybody.

And they go way beyond mere bilingualism.

Back to the veal…

I’ve made a habit of substituting chicken breasts for veal.

And who doesn't have chicken in the freezer?

Especially from stocking up when it was on sale.

                              Veal and Pepper Heroes 

Serves 6

Trim and cut into 3 x 1 x 1/2 inch strips

1 1/4 pounds boneless veal shoulder

Core, seed and cut into 1/2 inch wide strips

3 large bell peppers

2 red peppers

Halve and thinly slice

1 large onion

Heat in a large heavy saucepan over medium high heat

2 Tablespoons olive oil

Add the veal and cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.

Sprinkle with

salt and black pepper

Remove the veal to a plate.

Pour into the large heavy saucepan

2 Tablespoons olive oil

Add the peppers.

Cover and cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the onion.

Cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.

Sprinkle with

salt and black pepper

Remove the peppers and onions to a plate.

Add

28 ounce can Italian peeled tomatoes, chopped, with their juice

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

pinch of crushed red pepper

Stir well and season to taste with 

salt and black pepper

Return the veal to the skillet and bring to a simmer.

Turn the heat to low, partially cover the pan and simmer 40 minutes.

If the sauce becomes too dry add a little water.

Stir in the peppers and onions and cook 5 minutes.

Season to taste.

Open and pull out some of the soft bread of

6 crusty hero rolls

Fill the rolls with the veal and vegetables.

Serve hot.