Costoletta alla Valdostana
Courtesy of Cody Cheetham, executive chef, Tavernetta Denver
Valle d’Aosta is the smallest and least populated of Italy’s regions but makes up for its diminutive size with dramatic mountainous terrain and unique wines. This simple dish brings together two of the region’s favorite ingredients—veal and Fontina—and using panko breadcrumbs makes it extra crispy. Serve with a big, beautiful salad of sturdy fall greens.
Directions
Have your butcher butterfly the veal chops (or do it yourself), leaving them attached to the bone. Flatten them slightly with a meat mallet or your fists and season all surfaces with salt and pepper. Divide Fontina slices evenly between the chops, placing cheese on one side of chop and covering with the other. Pound the edges together with the mallet.
Heat oven to 450°F. Place the flour, eggs and panko on three separate plates. Season the flour with salt and pepper and lightly dredge the stuffed chops. Dip in the beaten egg and then in the breadcrumbs. Melt the butter in a very large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. When butter is sizzling, add the veal chops and cook for 2 minutes on each side, then three more minutes in the oven at 450°F. Transfer to a platter and serve with lemon wedges. Serves 4.
Wine Pairing
Maison Vevey Albert 2019 Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle (Valle d’Aosta)
“I suggest a still Prié Blanc from Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle in the Aosta Valley,” says Frasca Hospitality Group wine director Carlin Karr. “This white alpine variety is rare and hard to find but rewarding when you do. Mineral and fresh with a distinct alpine sensibility, Prié Blanc from this appellation has pedigree, power and expression as these are some of Europe’s highest elevation vineyards. Bright acidity with stony minerality, it’s the perfect foil to the richness of traditional Costoletta alla Valdostana.”
This article originally appeared in the August/September 2022 issue of Wine Enthusiast magazine. Click here to subscribe today!