Pieczeń Cielęca
Polish Veal Roast
A classic Polish Sunday dinner centerpiece, this tender veal roast is infused with flavor and served with a rich, creamy gravy.

🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Veal roast (e.g., loin or leg)
- 100 g Smoked bacon
- 3 medium Carrots
- 1/2 medium Celery root (celeriac)
- 1 large Onion
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 200 ml Dry white wine
- 500 ml Beef or veal broth
- 200 ml Sour cream (full fat)
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Fresh dill or parsley
- To taste Salt
- Freshly ground, to taste Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or butter
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the veal for larding. Using a sharp knife or a larding needle, make small incisions all over the veal roast. Insert the bacon strips into these incisions, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This process, called larding, will help keep the meat moist and add flavor during roasting.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Season the veal generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a large, heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the veal roast on all sides until deeply golden brown and a nice crust forms. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Remove the seared veal from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped carrots, celery root, and quartered onion to the same pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and lightly brown, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Return the seared veal roast to the pot, placing it on top of the vegetables. Pour in the beef or veal broth and the white wine (if using). The liquid should come about one-third of the way up the sides of the roast. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Cover the pot tightly with a lid or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Transfer the pot to a preheated oven. Roast at 160°C (320°F) for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until the veal is fork-tender. The internal temperature should reach at least 70°C (158°F). Baste the roast with the pan juices every 45 minutes to keep it moist.
⏱️ 2 hours 30 minutes - 6
Once the veal is tender, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a carving board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 7
While the meat rests, prepare the gravy. Strain the cooking liquid from the pot into a saucepan, discarding the solids (or reserving vegetables for another use). Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the liquid. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth. Gradually whisk this mixture into the simmering pan juices. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Do not boil the gravy vigorously after adding the sour cream, as it may curdle.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 9
Carve the rested veal roast into thick slices. Serve hot, generously spooning the warm sour cream gravy over the meat. Garnish with fresh chopped dill or parsley.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Larding the veal with bacon is essential for keeping the meat moist and adding a savory depth of flavor.
- ✓Low and slow roasting at 160°C (320°F) ensures the veal becomes incredibly tender without drying out.
- ✓Allowing the roast to rest after cooking is crucial for a juicy final product.
- ✓For an even richer gravy, you can reduce the pan juices slightly before adding the sour cream and flour mixture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sliced mushrooms to the vegetables during step 3 for an earthy flavor.
- This recipe can be adapted for other meats like pork loin or beef chuck roast, adjusting cooking times as needed.
- For a smoother gravy, strain the pan juices through a fine-mesh sieve before thickening.