Saltimbocca alla Romana
The key ingredients in Saltimbocca alla Romana are veal, prosciutto, white wine and sage. The veal is pounded thin then wrapped in prosciutto and sage, and sautéed in butter and oil. The finished dish is tender and succulent, with a slight sweetness from the wine and a subtle earthiness from the sage.
The combination of ingredients creates a complexity that is truly delightful. The veal is naturally mild and the salty prosciutto, the sweet white wine, and the fragrant sage meld together perfectly. The result is a dish that is velvety, luxurious and totally indulgent.
I love to serve Saltimbocca alla Romana over fresh pasta or polenta, adding a little more of the beautiful flavors to the plate. Or, I like to pair it with roasted vegetables, as the piquant flavors of the prosciutto and sage perfectly accentuate the sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
In my opinion, Saltimbocca alla Romana is one of the most indulgent and captivating Italian dishes out there. It's the perfect way to elevate any meal and add a touch of sophistication to the table. It's a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
Saltimbocca alla Romana recipes
Amazing Saltimbocca alla Romana recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Saltimbocca alla Romana
The origin of one of the most renowned Italian dishes, Saltimbocca Alla Romana, is steeped in antiquity and cultural practice. A classic Roman dish, Saltimbocca Alla Romana has its roots in the Roman Republic, a civilization renowned for its indomitable spirit and love of flavourful food.
The name Saltimbocca translates literally as “jump in the mouth”, so it's unsurprising that the dish has been adopted by Italians with gusto. The first known reference to the recipe can be found in Ovid’s ‘Art of Love’, with an ancient Roman concoction of pounded veal and herbs being described. Fresh sage and prosciutto would later supplant the herbs and spices and the dish we know and love today was born.
In contrast to other much-loved Italian recipes, Saltimbocca Alla Romana is still prepared in much the same way today as it was two thousand years ago. The key ingredients remain veal, prosciutto and fresh sage, which are rolled together and fried in butter and white wine. This preparation allows the succulent veal to retain its moisture while soaking up the salty prosciutto and fragrant sage, producing an irresistible combination of flavour and texture.
Although the ingredients haven’t changed much over the years, modern day cooks often alternate between veal, chicken and turkey, depending on the availability of produce. Some chefs even replace the prosciutto for bacon or pancetta for a smokier variation.
Over the centuries, Saltimbocca Alla Romana has become a staple of Italian restaurants around the world and its popularity shows no sign of waning. So next time there’s a dinner party or dinner date, why not take a step back in time and try out this ancient, yet ever-so-tasty dish?
Types of Saltimbocca alla Romana
Saltimbocca alla Romana is a classic Italian dish that is known for its unique flavor and texture. This dish, which literally translates to "jump in the mouth" from Italian, combines pan-fried slices of veal with sage leaves and salty prosciutto - all of which are enveloped in a savory and slightly sweet white wine and butter sauce. Though the classic version of this Roman dish is popular throughout Italy and beyond, there are numerous variations of this time-honored recipe.
For instance, some cooks opt to add different herbs like rosemary and thyme to the original recipe, while others may choose to substitute the veal with chicken or pork. Additionally, adding ingredients like onions or mushrooms can further enhance the flavor. Those who prefer a heartier version of Saltimbocca alla Romana may choose to add slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese, creating a delicious twist on the traditional preparation.
No matter which version of Saltimbocca alla Romana that one chooses to prepare, the dish is sure to make for an amazing main course for any meal. The interplay of the salty prosciutto and the savory white wine and butter sauce creates an unforgettable flavor that is sure to tantalize the taste buds.
In addition to being a culinary masterpiece, it is worth noting that this classic Italian dish is also relatively simple to prepare. In fact, most versions of the dish can be prepared in under an hour, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Saltimbocca alla Romana truly offers something for everyone, making it a must-try for fans of Italian cuisine.