Veal Piccata with Angel Hair and Parmigiana-Reggiano

This meal was wonderful! Despite what looks like a long preparation, it really is quite simple. All it takes is sauteeing the veal and making a pan sauce while the pasta cooks. When Holly and I made it for the four of us, we used about 1 1/2 pounds of veal and a whole pound of pasta. There was plenty to feed us plus leftovers, so I would suggest just sticking to the original recipe for four servings. Maybe add a little more pasta if you have big carb-eaters coming for dinner!

I love the fact that the pasta gets it's own highlight of oil, cheese, and spices. And then the pan sauce is your typical piccata preparation, with lemon juice, white wine, broth, and capers. Yum!

Veal Piccata with Angel Hair and Parmigiana-Reggiano
from Emeril Lagasse
Makes 4 servings

1/2 pound angel hair pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon chopped parsley leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 cup all-purpose flour
8 (2 1/2 to 3-ounce) veal medallions, pounded 1/4-inch thick
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup chicken stock, or canned, low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers, drained
2 teaspoons minced garlic

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring to separate the strands of pasta, until just al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain in a colander and return to the pot.

Add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, the basil, and the cheese and toss to coat. Cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, combine the flour with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1 teaspoon of the black pepper in a shallow bowl.

Lightly season both sides of each medallion with 1/8 teaspoon of the remaining salt and a pinch of the remaining pepper. One at a time, dredge the medallions in the seasoned flour, shaking to remove any excess.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the medallions in batches and cook until golden brown and just cooked through, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Add the wine to the juices remaining in the pan and bring to a boil, stirring to deglaze the pan, and cook until the wine is reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock, lemon juice, capers, and garlic and return to a boil, stirring, until the mixture is thickened, about 4 minutes.

Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon of the parsley. When the butter is melted, return all of the veal medallions to the pan and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

To serve, divide the pasta among 4 large plates and arrange 2 veal medallions on each plate. Spoon the sauce over the veal and garnish each serving with 1/4 teaspoon of the remaining parsley. Serve immediately.