Ep 10. The French Chef: Veal Scallops

In The French Chef with Julia Child season 1 episode 10, "Veal Scallops," the culinary icon Julia Child demonstrates how to prepare a classic French dish featuring tender veal scallops.

The episode begins with Julia introducing the star ingredient of the dish, the veal scallops, which she explains are cut from the leg of the animal and are naturally tender and flavorful. She demonstrates how to pound the meat thin and evenly before seasoning it with salt and pepper.

Next, Julia moves on to preparing the accompanying sauce, a classic French preparation called Sauce Piccata. She begins by sautéing shallots in butter before adding white wine, lemon juice, and capers to the pan. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh lemon juice and capers to ensure that the sauce is bright and flavorful.

Once the sauce is prepared, Julia moves on to cooking the veal scallops. She demonstrates the proper technique for pan-frying the meat, starting with a hot pan and a pat of butter. She carefully adds the scallops to the pan and cooks them for just a few minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.

To serve, Julia plates the veal scallops and drizzles the sauce over the top. She garnishes the dish with a sprinkle of parsley and encourages viewers to pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.

Throughout the episode, Julia provides helpful tips and techniques for home cooks looking to improve their culinary skills. She emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to the details, such as pounding the meat thin and seasoning it correctly. She also offers suggestions for adapting the recipe to personal taste preferences, such as adding more or less of certain ingredients to the sauce.

Overall, "Veal Scallops" is a classic episode of The French Chef that showcases Julia Child's passion for French cuisine and her talent as a teacher. Viewers are sure to be inspired to try their hand at this classic French dish in their own kitchens.