Ris de Veau
French Veal Sweetbreads
A classic French haute cuisine dish featuring delicate veal sweetbreads, expertly prepared to achieve a crispy exterior and a luxuriously creamy interior. This recipe guides you through the essential steps for a truly exquisite result.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Veal sweetbreads (thymus or neck)(Ensure they are fresh and well-cleaned by your butcher. If not, you will need to do this thoroughly.)
- 80 g Unsalted butter(Divided for searing and sauce.)
- 100 ml Dry white wine(Such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.)
- 200 ml Veal stock(High quality, preferably homemade or low-sodium.)
- 2 Shallots(Finely minced.)
- 2 tbsp Fresh tarragon(Finely chopped, plus extra sprigs for garnish if desired.)
- 50 g All-purpose flour(For dredging.)
- 1 bowl Ice water(For soaking.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sweetbreads: Submerge the veal sweetbreads in a large bowl of cold water. Soak for at least 12 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. Change the water several times during this period to remove any impurities. After soaking, drain the sweetbreads.
⏱️ 12-24 hours (soaking) - 2
Clean and blanch: Gently remove any tough outer membrane or visible blood vessels from the sweetbreads. Place the cleaned sweetbreads in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes. Immediately transfer the sweetbreads to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and firm them up. Drain well.
⏱️ 10 minutes (including blanching and cooling) - 3
Press the sweetbreads: Place the blanched and cooled sweetbreads between two plates or cutting boards. Weigh them down with heavy cans or a kitchen press. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours, to press them firmly. This step is crucial for achieving a desirable texture and allowing them to be sliced evenly.
⏱️ 2-4 hours (pressing) - 4
Cut and dredge: Once pressed, slice the sweetbreads into portions about 1.5-2 cm (about 3/4 inch) thick. Lightly season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the flour on a plate and gently dredge each slice of sweetbread, shaking off any excess.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Sear the sweetbreads: In a large skillet, melt 40g of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is shimmering and lightly browned (beurre noisette), carefully add the floured sweetbread slices in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crispy. Remove the seared sweetbreads from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 6
Prepare the pan sauce: Pour off any excess fat from the skillet, leaving the flavorful browned bits. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced shallots to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Finish the sauce: Add the veal stock to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the remaining 40g of unsalted butter, whisking until it melts and the sauce emulsifies and slightly thickens. Stir in the finely chopped fresh tarragon. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be glossy and flavorful.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 8
Serve: Arrange the seared sweetbreads on warm plates. Spoon the tarragon pan sauce generously over the sweetbreads. Garnish with extra tarragon sprigs if desired. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Thorough cleaning of the sweetbreads is paramount for a clean flavor. Don't skip the soaking and blanching steps.
- ✓Pressing the sweetbreads is essential for achieving a firm yet tender texture and allowing for even slicing and searing.
- ✓The goal is a beautiful golden-brown crust on the outside with a meltingly creamy interior. Do not overcook.
- ✓Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the sweetbreads for a proper sear.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sautéed morel mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy, luxurious touch.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of capers into the sauce at the end for a briny counterpoint.
- Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or wilted spinach.